Ozone exposure and increased risk of age-related macular degeneration: Evidence from nationwide cohort and toxicological studies

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

for trend < 0.001). The exposure-response curves exhibited a J-shaped trend. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results, revealing stronger associations among participants older than 65 years old and those living in rural or northern China. In the toxicological study, the mice were randomized to inhale ozone or filtered air, and those exposed to ozone had photoreceptor damage and vision impairment, which are hallmarks of AMD. We further clarified that ozone exposure contributes to AMD by activating systemic inflammation and detailing how external air-pollutant-induced inflammation factors reach the retina, which is the innermost layer of the eye, and cause retinal disease. Our comprehensive studies provide key evidence on the temporal relationship between ozone exposure and increased AMD risk, suggesting the visual health benefits of collaboratively enforcing necessary ozone pollution control policies, especially in regions with high ozone concentrations, within the context of a globally aging population.