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Association between outdoor air pollutant exposure and refractive error changes: A retrospective clinical practice
Yu-Te Huang1, Peng-Tai Tien1,2, Jamie Jiin-Yi Chen1
1Eye Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404327, Taiwan.
Scientific Reports
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Exposure to air pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) is linked to increased myopia progression in children. Higher pollution levels correlate with greater changes in refractive error, highlighting the need for improved air quality to protect children's vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Air pollution's impact on eye health is increasingly recognized.
- The specific effects of air pollutants on refractive error changes in children remain largely unexplored.
- Myopia progression is a significant public health concern in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between exposure to various air pollutants and changes in refractive error among children.
- To determine if a dose-response relationship exists between air pollutant levels and myopia progression.
- To identify which specific air pollutants have the most significant impact on refractive error changes in children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study utilizing the China Medical University Hospital Clinical Research Data Repository (CMUH-CRDR).
- Inclusion of 4,399 children aged 6-12 years with data spanning from 2003 to 2019.
- Calculation of cumulative exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and its correlation with refractive error changes.
Main Results:
- A progressive increase in refractive error change was observed with higher levels of PM2.5, CO, and O3.
- Each quantile increase in PM2.5, CO, NOx, O3, and SO2 was associated with an approximate 0.3 D decrease in average refractive error.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) showed the most significant effect per unit increase, while PM2.5 had the most substantial impact across different age groups (5-12 years).
Conclusions:
- Exposure to PM2.5, CO, SO2, NOx, and O3 is associated with an increased risk of myopia progression in children aged 6-12.
- A clear dose-effect relationship exists between air pollutant exposure and the progression of myopia.
- Enhanced air quality control measures are crucial for safeguarding children's ocular health and mitigating myopia progression.
