The aim of this study is to present scientific reports concerning the influence of air pollution on eyes. Air pollution is nowadays a common problem. The most significant pollutants are carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), particulate matters -PM 10 and PM 2.5 . The main source of toxins in the air are cars, burning of the fuels and burning of the charcoal in household stoves. Most attention is paid to negative effects of air pollution on respiratory system, such as asthma and lung cancer, however, it is worth remembering that influence on the eyes is equally important. Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. Anterior segment of the eye is the most exposed. Substances, which are part of the smog have an irritating effect on the surface of the eye, cause disturbances in the tear film and an inflammation. Medical conditions associated with increased air pollution are mainly eye irritation, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome (DES), meibomian gland dysfunction (MGB) and blepharitis.
The aim of this study is to discuss the association between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and eye diseases. UVR which reaches the surface of the Earth consists of 95% UVA and 5% of UVB. Both acute and chronic exposure to UVR leads to pathological changes in the eye. There is strong evidence that UVR exposure causes photokeratitis, photoretinitis, climatic droplet keratopathy, cataract, pterygium, squamous cell carcinoma of cornea and conjunctiva, cancer of the eyelids (squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma). Association between UVR and pinguecula, AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and melanoma of the eyeball is ambiguous. UVR exposure occurs all day and all year long, which is why eye protection is necessary to avoid diseases induced by UVR. In particular childrens' eyes should be protected from the sun. Efficient protection is provided by accurate clothing, hats, eyeglasses or contact lenses blocking UV light.
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