11 Mar 2025 • Long-term exposure to air pollutants, particularly particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), has been linked to a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration, especially in individuals with myopia, according to a UK Biobank study.

Key Findings:

• High PM10 exposure increased the risk of diabetic retinopathy by 61%, retinal detachment by 67%, and macular degeneration by 44% in those with low-to-moderate myopia.
• NOx exposure was associated with a 22% higher risk of diabetic retinopathy in myopes. PM10 exposure correlated with a 9% rise in retinal detachment risk, while PM2.5 was linked to an 8% increase in glaucoma incidence in nonmyopes.

These findings highlight the need for environmental interventions to reduce air pollution-related ocular health risks.

Source: AJO | Read Full Story