Introduction and objective:
Cataract is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, with prevalence rising with populations age. It often progresses slowly, causing the patient to underestimate the severity of this issue. Its pathogenesis involves oxidative stress in the eye lens, resulting in lipid peroxidation, crystalline protein oxidation and impaired antioxidant defences. Although this is a natural part of the ageing process, environmental factors, particularly air pollution, may exacerbate the situation. The aim of the review is to present the latest global evidence linking air pollution with cataract formation, and to present the available epidemiological data in Poland, given Poland’s high levels of ambient air pollution. Understanding this local landscape is essential for developing targeted ophthalmic prevention programmes.

Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Evidence indicates that exposure to air pollution and heavy metals may increase the risk of cataract through enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and metal accumulation in the lens. However, results are heterogeneous, reflecting variations in divergent diagnostic criteria, exposure assessment methods, and confounding factors. In Poland, there is a notable lack of longitudinal studies currently integrating exposure data with air quality and cataractogenesis, highlighting a gap in the national evidence base.

Summary:
Air pollution appears to contribute to cataract pathogenesis via oxidative mechanisms. Improving environmental air quality may reduce the risk of lens opacity. Nevertheless, further well-designed research, particularly in the Polish population, is necessary to quantify the impact of pollution on cataract development and inform preventive strategies.