Table './tdc/tbl_dc_meta_control_57' is marked as crashed and last (automatic?) repair failed
Sobia Kausar. Impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on ocular health among people living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Master's Degree(Health Sciences Research). Chiang Mai University. Library. : Chiang Mai University, 2025.
Impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on ocular health among people living in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Abstract:
Given the sparse information currently available about the critical impact of PM2.5 content on ocular health, a comprehensive follow-up study involving 50 healthy adults was meticulously conducted. Sample collections took place on two distinct occasions: before the onset of the PM2.5 exposure season and afterward, once exposure had occurred. Daily PM2.5 concentration data was diligently gathered from the Thung Satok monitoring station. Each participant completed a carefully crafted self-structured ocular symptom questionnaire designed to know their experiences accurately. The concentrations of 1-OHP were precisely quantified using advanced HPLC-FLD methodologies. Logistic regression analysis was employed to thoroughly investigate the relationship between PM2.5 toxicity and ocular symptoms. The findings revealed that daily PM2.5 concentrations soared to approximately three times higher than the levels the World Health Organization (WHO) deemed safe. Notably, exposure to these elevated PM2.5 levels significantly heightened the likelihood of experiencing ocular redness (adjusted odds ratio: 12.39, 95% confidence interval), watering (adjusted odds ratio: 2.56, 95% confidence interval), and dryness (adjusted odds ratio: 5.06, 95% confidence interval). Moreover, these ocular symptoms displayed a clear exposure-response relationship, intensifying with rising 1-OHP levels. During the PM2.5 peak season, the frequency and severity of ocular symptoms showed a marked increase, underscoring a strong correlation with heightened PM2.5 concentrations Additionally, lymphocyte counts exhibited a positive correlation with the severity of ocular redness, watering, and dryness in periods of significant PM2.5 exposure. In conclusion, this study powerfully suggests that individuals exposed to elevated PM2.5 levels experienced substantially more severe alterations in their ocular surface health, thus underscoring the urgent need for further research into this vital area. Future research endeavors could investigate the underlying mechanisms of PM2.5 exposure to changes in the ocular surface. This also includes improving quantification methods for 1-OHP to boost precision and sensitivity and broadening studies to encompass a variety of populations and environmental factors. Furthermore, employing advanced analytical techniques like multiplex assays and new technologies may offer a greater understanding of exposure-response relationships and aid in creating targeted strategies to reduce the harmful health impacts of PM2.5 on eye health.