<p>This study investigates the relationship between environmental factors, meteorological data and air pollution (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂), and the risk of glaucoma, using a comprehensive approach combining time-series analysis, cohort data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and Mendelian randomization (MR). Using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM), the study first analyzed air pollution and temperature data in Shenyang (2013–2021), revealing that ambient temperature did not show significant short-term effects on glaucoma incidence. In contrast, NO₂ was significantly associated with short-term increases in glaucoma risk, particularly within a few days following exposure. PM_2.5 demonstrated short-term effects, with a stronger risk observed during colder months, when pollutant levels were elevated. PM₁₀ also exhibited a delayed impact on glaucoma risk, although its effect was less pronounced. Further analysis using CHARLS data confirmed these findings, with long-term exposure to PM_2.5 and NO₂ associated with higher odds and hazard of developing glaucoma, especially among smokers. To assess causality, Mendelian randomization analyses provided genetic evidence that genetically predicted exposure to PM_2.5 (IVW OR = 1.367) and NO₂ (IVW OR = 1.463) were causally linked to an increased risk of glaucoma. The study found no significant causal association with PM₁₀ or workplace (indoor) temperature exposure. Overall, this study underscores the critical role of air pollution, particularly PM_2.5 and NO₂, in glaucoma risk. It highlights the importance of environmental policies aimed at improving air quality, particularly for vulnerable populations such as smokers, and suggests further investigation into the underlying biological mechanisms of pollutant-induced glaucoma.</p>