Following the COP26 Climate Summit in November, pollution and the environment have taken centre-stage, both in terms of media coverage, and many general discussions as well. A study featured in the British Medical Journal has demonstrated that air pollution might also affect macular degeneration, causing an increased risk of up to 8%.

The study compared patients exposed to increased levels of NO2, NOx, PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants, which all have well established levels of risk to death. The results showed that retinal thickness was affected by greater exposure to pollutants in all four cases, and the 8% increased risk was established from the cohort with greater PM2.5 exposure.

The exact mechanisms of this increase have not been analysed yet, due to the wide complexities already associated with the chronic condition, many of which are still unknown. However, it has been suggested that increased risk of inflammation may be the key factor to this study.

Dr Raj Maturi, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology has stated: “We do know that increased inflammation can increase risk of dry macular degeneration, and pollutants increase inflammatory responses.”

Actively reducing your inhalation of or exposure to pollutants is nearly impossible for most of us, due to the fact pollutants are transported by weather patterns and affect us variably over time. If you know that you live in an area with higher levels of pollution, you should undergo annual eye tests if possible.

Early signs of dry AMD are very difficult for us to detect ourselves, due to the slow onset of the illness. This means long-term damage can occur unimpeded. As a result, you should consult your optometrist regularly so that they are familiar with your sense of sight, and can quickly detect that something has gone wrong. Instead, consult your optometrist regularly so that they are familiar with your sense of sight, and can quickly detect that something has gone wrong.

Sources:

1. AAO Org.
2. DOI.
3. UNEP.