Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus unveiled a key study linking climate change-related air pollution to a rise in eye conditions like conjunctivitis.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered a compelling association between climate change and ocular health. A recent study published in Clinical Ophthalmology reveals that clinical visits for eye conditions like conjunctivitis have more than doubled during periods with high airborne particulate matter, suggesting air pollution exacerbated by climate change could be a major factor.
“The World Health Organization has declared climate change to be ‘the single biggest health threat facing humanity,’” lead author Jennifer Patnaik, an assistant professor of epidemiology and ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said in a news release. “Yet there are limited studies on the impact of climate change-related air pollution on ocular health.”
The research team examined data on particulate matter (PM) levels from the Denver Metropolitan area, focusing on particles 10 micrometers (PM10) and 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) in diameter. Analyzing 144,313 eye clinic visits during the study period, they found that visits for ocular surface irritation and allergies were 2.2 times higher than the average when PM10 levels hit 110.
Conjunctivitis, accounting for one-third of all visits, emerged as the second most common eye disease during the study’s timeframe. The increasing prevalence of ocular allergic conjunctivitis globally further underscores the role of environmental factors, such as air pollution, temperature and humidity.
Highlighting the broader health implications, Patnaik noted that air pollution and climate change contribute to a variety of health issues, ranging from infectious diseases to chronic conditions like dementia.
“This study highlights the systemic health impacts of climate stressors, including air quality, wildfires, temperature and drought conditions, and the continued need for transdisciplinary research,” co-author Katherine James, an associate professor who directs the Climate & Human Health program at the Colorado School of Public Health, said in the news release.
Malik Kahook, the study’s senior author and a professor of ophthalmology, emphasized the significance of these findings.
“These findings open the door to a deeper understanding of how environmental factors affect eye health. From a clinical standpoint, we’re now seeing more evidence suggesting that particulate matter in the air isn’t just affecting respiratory or cardiovascular health but also directly impacting ocular surface health,” Kahook said. “Our next steps are to investigate how other air pollutants might influence eye health and to expand our focus to areas outside of Colorado. By doing so, we aim to identify preventive strategies and consider new treatment protocols tailored to address these environmental influences, ultimately protecting the most vulnerable patients in areas heavily affected by pollution.”
The study not only opens new avenues for research but also aims to develop preventive strategies and treatment protocols for patients in heavily polluted areas.