Climate Change, Ultraviolet Radiation and Sensitive Ocular Diseases in High Altitude Population

Climate change and ultraviolet radiation have a strong interaction, where increasing warm temperatures produce lower relative humidity (RH), less cloud cover, sunnier days, more ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and more UVR-sensitive diseases cases. Additionally, ozone levels, local air quality, and population behavior interact to increase UV-sensitive eye diseases, primarily in high-altitude areas. This study provides evidence of the interaction between climate change and UVR on sensitive eye diseases at high-altitude population from Titicaca Lake shores Bolivia, as a basis for designing adaptation measures. We apply inter and transdisciplinary evaluation from Planetary Health Approach. Climate and UVR components (including assessment of clouds, air quality, and lizards as UVR potential bioindicators) followed specific methodologies to determine climate and UVR vulnerability effects on eye health. We collect cases and develop specialized campaigns to identify the seasonality, degree and type of UVR sensitive eye diseases. The average altitude area was 3851 km above sea level, with a UVR index higher than global extreme level (> 11); 23.5 in summer and 13 in winter The current climate presents warmer summers, lower relative humidity and less cloudiness. The future climate shows significant increases in temperatures of + 1.2 to + 1.4 °C (RCP4.5) by 2030. The most frequent UVR sensitive ocular diseases were cataracts, macular degeneration, acute allergic conjunctivitis, Pterygium and Pingüecula. The multiple correlation of cataracts was 0.64. Significant differences were record between age groups (P < 0.01). Levels of 03, PM10 and PM2.5 were identify. Vulnerability assessment maps and UV-sensitive diseases were constructed. Global warming is increasing temperatures, reducing relative humidity, cloud cover, and increasing levels of ultraviolet radiation, which is already extreme at high altitude, increasing vulnerability to UV-sensitive eye diseases. Adaptation measures were propose in response to SDG13 and the Montreal Protocol.