Climate Change and the Rising Burden of Ocular Disease: Diagnostic Challenges and Emerging Solutions

Le résumé fourni par la source

Climate change is an emerging public health crisis that extends beyond systemic diseases to greatly impact ocular health. Increasing ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, worsening air pollution, and the accumulation of environmental toxins are contributing to a rise in cataracts, dry eye syndrome (DES), and pterygium. Additionally, climate change is accelerating the spread of infectious eye diseases such as trachoma, onchocerciasis, and fungal keratitis, particularly in vulnerable populations with limited access to healthcare. Diagnosing climate-driven ocular diseases presents unique challenges, as early-stage manifestations are often subtle and overlap with other systemic or age-related conditions. Recent advancements in ophthalmic diagnostics, including AI-assisted imaging, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), tear fluid biomarkers, and public health campaigns, offer promising solutions for early detection and monitoring of ocular diseases. AI-driven deep learning models have demonstrated potential in detecting cataract changes and environmentally related corneal pathologies with high accuracy. Furthermore, portable imaging technologies have been shown to facilitate screening in underserved regions most affected by climate change. This review explores the intricate relationship between climate change and ocular diseases, focusing on the diagnostic challenges posed by environmental factors and innovations aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. Addressing these issues through improved diagnostic strategies, global health policies, and interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to mitigate the long-term ocular health impacts of climate change.

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