Key Takeaways

  • Research presented at the 44th Congress of the ESCRS found that people who live in areas with higher levels of air pollution were more likely to develop glaucoma and cataract
  • The systematic review and meta-analysis looked at the levels of several types of air pollution
  • The clearest findings were for fine particulate matter

People who live in areas with higher levels of air pollution are more likely to develop glaucoma and cataract, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis presented at the 44th Congress of the ESCRS.1 The research was presented by Dr. Ahmed Alnabihi from King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Researchers looked at the levels of several types of air pollution: particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide. These levels were compared with how many people were diagnosed with glaucoma, cataract, or age-related macular degeneration. The investigators found that the higher the levels of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), the greater the risks of glaucoma. People living in the most polluted areas had up to 70% higher odds of glaucoma compared to those in the least polluted areas. People living in more polluted areas also faced a consistently higher risk of developing cataracts, and the more pollution, the greater the risk.

“The clearest finding was for fine particulate matter—the tiny particles in smoke, vehicle exhaust, and industrial pollution that are small enough to get deep into the body,” said Dr. Alnabihi.

“Fine particles are thought to cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body,” he commented. “Over years of exposure, these effects may damage the optic nerve, which is relevant to glaucoma, or the lens, which is relevant to cataract. Unlike most other organs, the eye is directly open to the environment. The ocular surface—the tear film, conjunctiva, and cornea—has no barrier between it and outdoor air. That makes the biological plausibility here stronger than for some other organs.”

1. Alnabihi A, Alamoudi A, Al-Qahtani S, Almufarriji N, Alsarhani WK, Ahmed IIK. Smog and sight: epidemiological evidence on the link between air pollution and ocular aging: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Poster presented at: 44th Congress of the ESCRS; September 14, 2026; London, United Kingdom. Accessed September 14, 2026. https://pagv3.virtual-meeting.org/escrs/escrs2026/en-GB/pag/session/98120