Wildfire associated ocular diseases and its prevalence in Canada: a systematic review

Theme: Global and public health ophthalmology
What: Global and public health ophthalmology
Part of: Public Health Ophthalmology: The Intersection between Eye Health and the Environment / Ophtalmologie de la santé publique: Santé publique L’intersection entre la santé oculaire et l’environnement
When: 6/2/2024, 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
Where: Room | Salle 714 B

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Canada have significantly increased due to climate change, presenting a pressing concern for public health, as seen with the 2023 wildfires. Smoke and fine particulate matter released during these wildfires contain a complex mixture of irritants and toxic substances that can directly affect ocular health. Our study aims to comprehensively analyze the relationship between exposure to wildfire-related air pollutants and the development of ocular pathologies, including conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, retinopathy, blepharitis, and glaucoma. The objective of this study is to investigate the growing impact of Canadian wildfires and its effects on a plethora of ocular pathologies, shedding light on the potential risks posed to human eye health.

 

Study Design

This study is a systematic literature review in accordance with PRIMSA guidelines.

 

Methods

This study systematically searched and evaluated relevant research papers, scholarly articles, reports, and studies published between 2013 and 2023. Covidence was in part used to aid the search. Databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE were used to retrieve eligible studies. The search terms used to retrieve literature were, ‘ocular health’, ‘wildfire’, ‘ophthalmology’.

 

Results

Our search strategy yielded 84 relevant articles, specifically in relation to wildfires on multiple ocular pathologies and subsequently ocular health. Of these, 39 met our inclusion criteria. Wildfires have been shown to impact and/or play a role in causing conjunctivitis in 10 studies, dry eye syndrome in 16 studies, retinopathy in 7 studies, blepharitis in 2 studies, and glaucoma in 4 studies. Based on our systematic review it is evident that there is an association between wildfires, specifically the toxins they produce, and an increase in the prevalence of ocular pathologies.

 

Conclusions

The results of this study reinforce the fact that the recent 2023 Canadian wildfires have had a significant and multifaceted impact on ocular health. The exposure to wildfire-related air pollutants, including fine particulate matter and irritants, lead to eye related pathologies as well as the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions. This research underscores the importance of recognizing the implications of wildfires on public health, emphasizing the need for proactive measures, public awareness, and healthcare strategies to mitigate ocular health risks. The findings also highlight the broader importance of addressing climate change and wildfire prevention as a means to safeguard not only ocular health but overall well-being in wildfire-prone regions.

Presenter(s)

Presenting Author: Zayd Khan

Additional Author(s):

Khalid Hasanee, McMaster University Glaucoma Programme

Hasan Khan, St. George's University School of Medicine

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