The Effect of Air Pollution on the Occurrence of Conjunctivitis

Background: Air pollution is a complex mixture of pollutants. Diverse health effects and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, eye irritation, neurologic disorders, cancer, and death can caused by air pollution. Conjunctiva have direct contact with the outside environment and it is sensitive. Conjunctiva protects the ocular from outsides deleterious agents, helps lubricate the eye by producing mucus and tears, and contributes to the immune balance of ocular surface. The importance of conjunctiva and a high prevalence of conjunctivitis merit an investigation on the effect of air pollutant on conjunctivitis. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of air pollution on the occurrence of conjunctivitis. Methods: This article is a review of studies about Air Pollution and Occurrence of Conjunctivitis. The databases searched included SID, CIVILICA, SCIENCE DIRECT, GOOGLE SCHOLAR and PUBMED. The period of searches for the years 2007 to 20017 and the words that were searched include Air Pollution, Conjunctivitis and Infection. Articles were investigated in this period and in direct relation with this subject. Finding: The mechanisms regarding the effects of air pollutants on conjunctivitis are not well known. Changes in the lacrimal pH, caused by the acidification of tears in an atmosphere with a high-oxidant power (NO2, SO 2), could irritate the ocular surface. According to the studies signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis in a high percentage of children not clearly affected by ocular allergy or infection and we provided new evidence of a relationship between UCUO and exposure to air pollution. Conclusion: According to studies, conjunctivitis is more common in women and most often after 8 days of exposure to contaminants. By reviewing the articles on this subject, it can be said that conjugate to air pollution is completely related, but different pollutants have different effects on the conjunctiva.

کلیدواژه ها:

Air Pollution ، Conjunctivitis ، infection