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 (PM2.5) 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 PM2.5, NO2, or O3 and AMD risk.