Outdoor Temperature May Impact Eye Pressure in Glaucoma Patients

By Dr. Kevin -

A recent retrospective study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology highlights an often-overlooked factor in glaucoma management: the weather.

Researchers in Japan evaluated longitudinal data over an 11-year period for patients with stable primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who maintained a constant medication routine. Their findings revealed that ambient temperature is negatively correlated with intraocular pressure (IOP)—meaning as outdoor temperatures drop, eye pressure tends to rise.

Key Takeaways from the Research:

  • Temperature Influence: Ambient temperature showed a significant, independent negative contribution to IOP fluctuations.

  • Other Contributing Factors: IOP was positively correlated with mean blood pressure and influenced by central corneal thickness, time of day (pressures were higher in late afternoon compared to morning), and the specific drop regimen.

  • Greater Impact in Advanced Cases: The study noted that IOP responsiveness to temperature changes is particularly pronounced in patients with severe-stage glaucoma.

Why It Matters:

Because higher IOP is a primary risk factor for glaucoma progression, researchers emphasize that seasonal and temperature variations should be factored into long-term disease management, especially when evaluating patients with advanced POAG.

Source: Review of Optometry

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