Abstract
Purpose :
To determine if seasons, maximum ambient temperature, lunar phases, lunar illumination or precipitation are associated with intraocular pressure (IOP).
Methods :
The data of the patients were obtained from the records of diurnal curves of IOP that were taken from 1984 to 2021 in the University Hospital of the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon. 456 patients were included with different types of glaucoma, or glaucoma suspect, a minimum of 3 diurnal curves of IOP, no changes in glaucoma treatment, and no eye surgery. In each diurnal curve, IOP was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer in both eyes (07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00). Age, season (spring, summer, fall, winter), lunar phase (new moon, first quarter, full moon, third quarter), lunar illumination (0-1), maximum ambient temperature (in Celsius), and precipitation during the day (yes, no) were registered in each diurnal curve. The following IOP variables were analyzed: mean IOP (mean of all IOP), peak IOP (mean of peak IOP) and IOP fluctuation (mean of IOP fluctuation). All IOP variables were analyzed using data from both eyes GEE (General estimating equations) accounting for the relationship between both eyes of the same patient.
Results :
The mean age was 62.2 years, 153 were males (34%) and 303 females (66%). The overall mean IOP (95%CI) was 14.4mmHg (14.2, 14.7), peak IOP 15.8mmHg (15.5, 16.0), and IOP fluctuation 2.6mmHg (2.5, 2.7). The mean(95%CI) IOP in spring was 14.2mmHg (13.9, 14.6), summer 14.5mmHg (14.1, 14.8), fall 14.1mmHg (13.8, 14.4) and winter 15.0mmHg (14.6, 15.5). The mean difference between winter and summer was 0.6mmHg (95%CI) (0.1, 1.0; p= 0.01). Maximum ambient temperature presented a negative correlation with the peak IOP; for every Celsius degree increased, the IOP diminished -0.04mmHg (95%CI) (-0.07, -0.01; p= 0.007), similarly with the mean IOP -0.04mmHg (95%CI) (-0.06, -0.008; p= 0.01). IOP fluctuation was not associated with any IOP variable. No associations were identified between IOP variables and lunar phases, illumination, or precipitation.
Conclusions :
External factors such as seasonality and ambient temperature have a possible impact on the IOP, for which it is important to keep studying these associations.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.