More BrandsPeople living in large cities with serious air pollution levels are at an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome, a study has found.
The research was led by Anat Galor, assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in New Orleans. This is the first large-scale study that seeks to prove a link between air pollution and dry eye syndrome.
The health records of 606,708 people were examined, and the researchers found that the risk of developing dry eye syndrome was three to four times higher for residents of the biggest US cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, in comparison with less urban areas. A contributing climatic factor for the heightened risk was high altitude, while areas with higher humidity were characterised by a lower risk of developing the condition. For their study, the scientists used climate information from the US national Climatic Data Center and NASA.
Dry eye syndrome consists of insufficient tear production, and its symptoms are manifested as a stinging or burning sensation in the eye or increased tear production and discomfort when wearing contacts. The symptoms worsen when performing activities such as reading, watching TV, or sitting in front of a computer monitor. The study could prove useful for eye professionals when diagnosing a patient and choosing the best treatment. Among the suggestions for alleviating the condition put forward by Galor was maintaining an appropriate level of humidity at home by using a good air filter.
