Correlation between Keratoconus and Pollution

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Keratoconus is a corneal ectasia with multifactorial origin. Three risk factors for keratoconus are currently recognized: ultraviolet rays (UV), eye rubbing and atopy. In the current literature, other factors are evoked such as pollution, whose role in the physiopathology of keratoconus is unclear. The effects of particles matter (PM) 2.5 and 10 are the most studied and questioned in the scientific literature. Material and method: A correlation study was carried out to determine the influence of pollution on keratoconus. Fine particulate matter levels were measured according to available WHO data and were correlated with the prevalences of epidemiological studies. These measures were included in the study according to strict selection criteria. Results: The mean pollution rate of the selected studies was 29.1 ± 24.3 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 57.2 ± 56.2 μg/m3 for PM10. The Pearson test shows a moderate correlation between the prevalence of keratoconus and the levels of PM2.5 (R = 0.51; p = .022) and a strong correlation with the levels of PM10 (R = 0.71; p < .001). Discussion: Fine particulate matter appears to be an emerging risk factor for keratoconus. They are thought to act indirectly by exacerbating known risk factors such as atopy and eye rubbing. And could have a direct action on the cornea by increasing the apoptosis of epithelial cells and interacting directly with the structure of collagen of the stroma.