The Impact of Air Pollution on Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Hefei, China, 2017-2022 A Time-Series Study (March 2025)-The Impact of Air Pollution on Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Hefei, China, 2017-2022 A Time-Series Study

The Impact of Air Pollution on Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma Hefei, China, 2017-2022 A Time-Series Study

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The study examines the correlation between air pollution and the incidence of acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) in Hefei, China, from 2017 to 2022. Using generalized additive models and distributed lag nonlinear models, the researchers evaluated the relationship between exposure to six air pollutants—PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3—and the odds of AACG occurrence. Results indicated a positive correlation between all pollutants and AACG, with NO2 and CO showing particularly high relative risk values for disease onset. The study collected 2423 AACG cases from six major hospitals in Hefei, highlighting a larger proportion of cases in individuals over 65 years and females. Seasonality was evident, with winter showing higher pollutant peaks except for O3, which peaked in summer.<br /><br />The research showed that pollutants could exacerbate AACG by inducing oxidative stress, immune responses, and endothelial dysfunction. It also confirmed that PM2.5 exposure may trigger autoimmune responses contributing to glaucoma, similar to existing findings, while PM10 exposure was also linked to AACG, possibly through pathways affecting trabecular meshwork degeneration and optic nerve damage.<br /><br />The study also identified seasonal trends, gender, and age as significant factors in AACG incidence, with men and older individuals showing greater susceptibility. These findings underline the potential health policies that local governments can implement to mitigate air pollution's health risks, especially among sensitive populations.<br /><br />Despite its insights, the study notes limitations, such as the interplay between climate change and pollutant sources, and potential data consistency issues across cities. Finally, the study emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the exact mechanisms by which air pollutants influence AACG development, which is crucial for developing effective preventive health strategies.

Keywords

air pollution

acute angle-closure glaucoma

Hefei

generalized additive models

distributed lag nonlinear models

PM2.5

NO2

oxidative stress

seasonality

preventive health strategies