The association between long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter and glaucoma: A nation-wide epidemiological study among Chinese adults

Background A growing body of evidence has confirmed the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ocular diseases, but little is known on the effect of long-term PM2.5 exposure on glaucoma. Methods A national cross-sectional study of the Rural Epidemiology for Glaucoma was conducted in 10 provinces of China, and 33,701 adults aged 40 years or more were included. A satellite-based model at 1-km resolution level was used to estimate PM2.5 concentrations which were assigned to each participant according to geocoded home addresses. Logistic regression model was performed to investigate associations of long-term PM2.5 exposure with glaucoma and its subtypes. Results Estimated PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 28.0 to 96.4 μg/m3. For each 10 μg/m3 increment in PM2.5, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 1.07 (95% CI: 1.00–1.15) and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.02–1.26) for glaucoma and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), respectively. A positive but non-significant association (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.92–1.18) was detected between long-term exposure to PM2.5 and odds of primary open-angle glaucoma. The middle aged residents and non-smokers were more sensitive to the adverse effects of PM2.5. Conclusions Long-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with glaucoma and PACG in Chinese adults, which provided new insights on adverse ophthalmic effect of PM2.5.