The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on ophthalmologic diseases: a review of current evidence

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is currently regarded as a multisystem disorder accompanied by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, hypoxemia, and endothelial dysfunction. These mechanisms may potentially lead to ocular involvement, primarily affecting the retina, choroid, and optic nerve. Objective. To analyze current literature   data on the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ophthalmological diseases, and morphofunctional changes in the organ of vision. Materials and methods. A narrative literature review with elements of a systematized search was performed. The search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary, CyberLeninka, and on official   journal websites for the period from 2020 to 2025. Russian- and English-language search queries related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the retina, choroid, optic nerve, age-related macular degeneration, cataract, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography were used. Original clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and relevant Russian-language publications were included in the review. Results and discussion. Current evidence indicates that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with changes in the retina, choroid, and optic nerve. The most consistently reported findings include thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, reduced vascular density of the retina and peripapillary region, and choroidal changes. These abnormalities are more pronounced in patients with more severe disease and lower oxygen saturation. In addition, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, while long-term corticosteroid therapy is associated with a higher likelihood of cataract development. Conclusion. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should be regarded as a systemic disease with potential involvement of the organ of vision, which justifies the need for an interdisciplinary approach and ophthalmological monitoring of patients at risk.

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