The purpose of this study is to test the effects of whole-body animal exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm (PM₁₀) in the mouse cornea and in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to control or 500 µg/m³ PM₁₀ for 2 weeks. In vivo, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. RT-PCR and ELISA evaluated levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling and inflammatory markers. SKQ1, a novel mitochondrial antioxidant, was applied topically and GSH, MDA and Nrf2 levels were tested. In vitro, cells were treated with PM₁₀ ± SKQ1 and cell viability, MDA, mitochondrial ROS, ATP and Nrf2 protein were tested. In vivo, PM₁₀ vs. control exposure significantly reduced GSH, corneal thickness and increased MDA levels. PM₁₀-exposed corneas showed significantly higher mRNA levels for downstream targets, pro-inflammatory molecules and reduced Nrf2 protein. In PM₁₀-exposed corneas, SKQ1 restored GSH and Nrf2 levels and lowered MDA. In vitro, PM₁₀ reduced cell viability, Nrf2 protein, and ATP, and increased MDA, and mitochondrial ROS; while SKQ1 reversed these effects. Whole-body PM₁₀ exposure triggers oxidative stress, disrupting the Nrf2 pathway. SKQ1 reverses these deleterious effects in vivo and in vitro, suggesting applicability to humans.

Introduction: Vision impairment disproportionately affects individuals from low-income and African American communities, yet underutilization of preventive eye care persists. We conducted a community-based participatory research (CBPR) study to explore perceptions, values, and barriers related to vision care in an underserved urban neighborhood. Methods: In partnership with University Settlement, a trusted community center in Cleveland, Ohio, and a study-specific Community Advisory Board (CAB), we conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 adult residents of the Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood. Thematic analysis identified key facilitators and barriers to accessing vision care. Results: Participants across racial groups described vision as highly important and often endorsed more frequent preventive eye care than they reported receiving. Barriers to eye care utilization included cost, inadequate insurance coverage, transportation challenges, fear of diagnosis, and limited awareness of preventive benefits. Distinct differences emerged in insurance type and visit frequency between African American and White participants despite comparable socioeconomic status. Participants identified community-specific solutions such as free or low-cost exams, mobile clinics, transportation support, and increased education. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that underutilization of eye care reflects structural and systemic barriers rather than lack of motivation. System-level interventions that integrate screenings into clinical and community settings, streamline referral pathways, and reduce logistical burdens are needed to facilitate equitable access to vision care. Embedding data collection in a trusted community setting surfaced perspectives from individuals who may be absent from clinic-based or online research and provides a model for translational research addressing health disparities.