Association between ambient air pollution and age-related macular degeneration: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Several epidemiological studies have investigated the association between ambient air pollution and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, a consensus has not yet been reached. Our meta-analysis aimed to clarify this association.

Methods: Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, were searched for relevant studies from 01 January 2000 to 30 January 2024. English-language, peer-reviewed studies using cross-sectional, prospective, or retrospective cohorts and case-control studies exploring this relationship were included. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled covariate-adjusted odds ratios. Heterogeneity across studies was also tested.

Results: We identified 358 relevant studies, of which eight were included in the meta-analysis. Four studies evaluated the association between particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM_2.5) and AMD, and three studies explored the relationship between nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) or ozone (O₃) and AMD. The pooled odds ratios were 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.21), 1.17 (95% CI: 1.09-1.25), and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.05-1.07), respectively.

Conclusion: Current evidence suggests a concomitant positive but not causal relationship between PM_2.5, NO₂, or O₃ and AMD risk.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; Ambient air pollution; Meta-analysis.