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Meteorological triggering of acute glaucoma attacks.
Transactions of the Ophthalmological Societies of the United Kingdom
|April 1, 1977
Summary
Acute closed-angle glaucoma cases were studied for meteorological triggers. A significant 60% of cases occurred during specific cold, north-westerly maritime air advection events, suggesting a link between weather patterns and glaucoma onset.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Meteorology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Acute closed-angle glaucoma is a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Understanding potential environmental triggers can aid in predicting and preventing glaucoma attacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between meteorological conditions and the onset of acute closed-angle glaucoma.
- To identify specific weather patterns associated with acute glaucoma episodes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient files from Geneva and Lausanne University Eye Hospitals (1972-1974).
- Inclusion criteria: confirmed diagnosis of acute closed-angle glaucoma with precise onset dates.
- Meteorological and statistical analysis of 34 selected patient cases.
Main Results:
- Twenty out of 34 cases (60%) occurred during a specific meteorological event.
- This event involved advection of cold maritime air from the north-west, following an active atmospheric disturbance.
- Such meteorological conditions occurred infrequently (57 times) during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Specific meteorological conditions, characterized by cold north-westerly maritime air advection, are significantly associated with acute closed-angle glaucoma onset.
- These findings suggest a potential environmental trigger for acute glaucoma attacks.
- Further research into environmental factors influencing glaucoma is warranted.