Colder air temperatures may significantly increase fluid pressure inside the eye in people with glaucoma
Lower air temperatures may be associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye—a major cause of glaucoma—and should be considered when treating patients with the condition, according to findings published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Colder ambient temperatures could raise fluid pressure inside the eyes of glaucoma patients, according to new research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. Investigators from Japan reviewed records of 77 patients with stable glaucoma who were treated at a university hospital. Over an average of five years, they measured each patient's intraocular pressure, blood pressure, and heart rate.
The study found that lower air temperatures were significantly linked to higher intraocular pressure. Specifically, a drop of 35°C corresponded to a 1 mmHg increase in pressure. This effect was more prominent in patients with severe glaucoma or those using multiple glaucoma medications. While the study offers insight into potential weather-related factors affecting glaucoma management, it cannot prove cause and effect.
Researchers emphasize that the relationship should be considered in comprehensive treatment strategies, but further studies with larger groups are needed to confirm these findings.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
