Climate Change and Ocular Surface Disease Epidemic

Abstract

Climate change offers several difficulties to global health, including a considerable influence on ophthalmology. Ocular surface disorders (OSDs) refer to a group of ailments that affect the cornea, conjunctiva, and tear film, with dry eye syndrome (DES) being the most common. Various environmental variables, such as increasing temperatures, changed humidity levels, and increased airborne contaminants, are thought to exacerbate OSDs in response to changing climate conditions. These environmental stresses have a direct impact on ocular physiology, resulting in tear film instability, epithelium damage, and inflammation. Climate change’s rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events all have serious consequences for ocular surface disorders. The intricate relationship between climate change and the epidemiology of OSDs, with a focus on how environmental factors such as heatwaves, air pollution, and allergen distribution influence the prevalence and severity of diseases such as dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, and other ocular surface diseases.