Abstract ID: 26-570
Association Between Short-Term Air Pollution Exposure and Functional Epiphora
Author: Utku Furuncuoglu Base Hospital / Institution: Tekirdag Namık Kemal University
Presentation Type: ePoster Presentation
Purpose
Functional epiphora is a common clinical condition often attributed to ocular surface irritation in the absence of nasolacrimal obstruction. Air pollution has been implicated in ocular surface disorders, but its short-term relationship with functional epiphora remains unclear. This study investigated the association between recent air pollution exposure and functional epiphora, focusing on the most relevant exposure window before symptom onset.
Methods
This retrospective self-controlled study included patients with new-onset or worsening functional epiphora within the previous 3 days. Patients with infectious conjunctivitis, nasolacrimal obstruction, eyelid malposition, or significant ocular surface disease were excluded. Environmental exposure data were obtained from regional air quality monitoring systems. Mean PM10, SO₂, and CO levels were evaluated across three predefined 3-day periods: days −1 to −3, −7 to −9, and −14 to −16 before presentation
Results
Twenty-four patients were included. PM10 levels differed significantly across exposure windows (p = 0.022), although post-hoc comparisons were not significant. No significant differences were observed for SO₂ (p = 0.449) or CO (p = 0.549).
Conclusion
The present study showed that PM10 levels varied significantly before functional epiphora onset, but no individual exposure window showed a dominant effect. Particulate matter may contribute to functional epiphora by inducing ocular surface inflammation, tear film instability, and ocular surface irritation. The temporal variability in PM10 levels supports a possible role of environmental exposure in functional epiphora, although the exact exposure window remains unclear. In contrast, SO₂ and CO did not show significant temporal variation. In conclusion, these results suggest that short-term fluctuations in PM10 levels may be associated with functional epiphora, although a clearly defined critical exposure window could not be identified.