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02
Feb 2021
Study suggests exposure to air pollution could increase risk of irreversible sight loss
Researchers have claimed following a large-scale observational study, that exposure to air pollution could increase the risk of developing a form of irreversible loss of sight in older age.
The research, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, found that air pollutants were linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive form of sight loss.
AMD is currently the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the over-50s in first world countries such as the UK, with known risk factors such as smoking, genetic predisposition and older age.
The researchers said “Our findings suggest that ambient air pollution, especially fine particulate matter of those of combustion-related particles, may affect AMD risk.
“Our findings add to the growing evidence of the damaging effects of ambient air pollution, even in the setting of relative low exposure.”
However, they did note that their research was an observational study and could not prove that pollution caused sight loss, although it did echo findings elsewhere in the world.
Lead author of the study Professor Paul Foster, said “Here we have identified yet another health risk posed by air pollution, strengthening the evidence that improving the air we breathe should be a key public health priority.
“Our findings suggest that living in an area with polluted air, particularly fine particulate matter or combustion-related particles that come from road traffic, could contribute to eye disease.”
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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