A new large analysis indicates that the damage from air pollution goes far beyond the heart, lungs, and brain. According to a study presented at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), individuals living in more polluted areas face a higher risk of developing both glaucoma and cataracts, two of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide.
Dr. Ahmed Alnabihi, leader of the study, stated during the presentation that the effects of air pollution on the eyes have been much less studied, and existing evidence was scattered and inconclusive. "We have known for years that air pollution harms the lungs and heart," he added.
The research was conducted by scientists from a hospital and ophthalmological research center, who analyzed data from people exposed to different levels of environmental pollution to establish the relationship between air quality and the development of these eye diseases.