Pollution linked with glaucoma risk

Exposure to air pollution has been linked to increased glaucoma risk in a recent study.

Over 100,000 people received eye tests for glaucoma, with the researchers linking this data to pollution levels at their home addresses. Around 2% of the sample reported being diagnosed with glaucoma, with a 6% increased chance found in more heavily polluted areas.

Researchers claim their findings demonstrate a ‘meaningful association’ between pollution and glaucoma, but have emphasised that the study does not prove direct cause and effect.

While pollution was not linked with pressure within the eyeball, researchers found that higher pollution levels were linked with the thickness of nerve fibres at the back of the eye, another marker for glaucoma.