Eye health risks associated with unclean fuel: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Abstract

Purpose: This study comprehensively examined the correlation between unclean cooking fuels (UCF) and ocular health, covering diverse eye conditions such as cataracts, visual impairments, and ocular discomfort.

Methods: According to MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted on 28 studies from 3 databases. Literature quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity among articles was gaged with the I ² statistic, sensitivity analysis used 'leave-one-out test', and publication bias was evaluated using Egger, Begg tests, and funnel plot analysis.

Results: The study evidenced a significant association between UCF exposure and cataracts [OR 2.29, 95% CI (1.24, 4.23)], visual impairments [OR 1.70, 95% CI (1.45, 2.00)], and eye diseases/symptoms [OR 2.03, 95% CI (1.25, 3.29)]. However, no correlation was found between UCF exposure and glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure [OR 0.96, 95% CI (0.84, 1.10), n = 2]. Subgroup analysis revealed that UCF cooking had an impact on nuclear cataracts [OR 1.98, 95% CI (1.67, 2.33), n = 4]. But not on cortical cataracts [OR 1.25, 95% CI (0.98, 1.60), n = 3]. Additionally, UCF exposure was linked to severe visual impairments like night blindness [OR 2.03, 95% CI (1.00, 4.96)], blindness [OR 1.43, 95% CI (1.32, 1.55)], and specific ocular symptoms such as tearing while cooking (OR = 3.20), eye irritation (OR = 2.58), and red eyes (OR = 2.03).

Conclusion: UCF cooking had significant impact on ocular health, notably on eye symptoms, cataracts, and visual impairments. UCF exposure presented demographic inequalities in cataract prevalence, while eye symptoms can serve as a reliable self-assessment of UCF exposure.