Influence of environmental pollutants and climatic factors on ocular allergy and dry eye

Ocular allergy is one of the most common ophthalmologic conditions. The prevalence of these disorders has increased in recent years due to environmental factors such as air pollution and allergens. The interaction between allergies and lacrimal gland dysfunction may contribute to the development of dry eye, which exacerbates symptoms in these patients. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of ocular allergy (OA), dry eye and the association of symptoms with levels of environmental pollutants and atmospheric conditions.

Skin tests were performed to determine sensitization to environmental and food allergens. In addition, a complete ophthalmologic examination was conducted. The research results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including the prevalence of various ophthalmologic and allergic conditions. Average levels of environmental pollutants and atmospheric conditions were correlated with dry eye disease as well as mean scores from the EAPIQ, which was completed weekly for 17 weeks by each participant.

The study evaluated 44 patients with symptoms of ocular allergy. Dermatophagoides spp. were the most prevalent environmental allergens, with a rate of 68.1%. The prevalence of sensitization to food allergens was 11.3% for salmon. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis was the most frequent condition (63.6%), followed by seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (29.5%). Dry eye was confirmed in 59% of subjects. The correlation analysis between environmental pollutants and ocular symptoms showed a moderate and significant correlation between ozone (O₃) levels and the mean EAPIQ score (r = 0.500, p = 0.041). Symptoms of swollen eyes and eyelids showed a significant correlation with ozone (r = 0.538, p = 0.026) and temperature (r = 0.568, p = 0.017). Ocular itching was significantly correlated with temperature (r = 0.651, p = 0.005) and wind speed (r = 0.615, p = 0.009). Likewise, dry eye symptoms showed significant correlations with temperature (r = 0.675, p = 0.003) and wind speed (r = 0.723, p = 0.001). No statistically significant correlations were observed between ocular symptoms and the levels of NO₂, SO₂, PM10, or PM2.5 in this study.

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of ocular allergy and dry eye, highlighting sensitization to environmental allergens such as Dermatophagoides spp., Quercus spp., and Canis familiaris as the main triggers of ocular symptoms. This study highlights the importance of environmental allergens and atmospheric factors such as O₃, temperature, and wind speed in the management and prevention of ocular allergy. The results accentuate the need to implement environmental control strategies and public policies to reduce exposure to these factors, particularly in urban areas with high atmospheric pollution.