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Intraocular Pressure and Its Relation to Climate Parameters-Results From the Gutenberg Health Study
Alica Hartmann1, Stephanie D Grabitz1, Esther M Hoffmann1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|June 8, 2023
Summary
Intraocular pressure (IOP) shows seasonal variation, with higher levels in winter and lower levels in summer. This change is linked to environmental temperature and partly mediated by blood pressure fluctuations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical factor in eye health, particularly for conditions like glaucoma.
- Environmental factors, such as climate, may influence physiological parameters like IOP.
- Understanding these associations can inform public health strategies and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between intraocular pressure (IOP) and climate parameters.
- To explore the potential mediating role of blood pressure in the relationship between temperature and IOP.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study (Gutenberg Health Study) in Mainz, Germany (2007-2017).
- Ophthalmologic examinations including tonometry, refraction, pachymetry, perimetry, and fundus imaging.
- Climate data (temperature, humidity, air pressure) collected concurrently; statistical analyses included regression and mediation models.
Main Results:
- A total of 14,632 participants were analyzed, with a mean baseline IOP of 14.24 ± 2.8 mm Hg.
- A significant association was found between lower IOP and higher air temperature during summer months (B = -0.011, P < 0.001).
- IOP was also associated with air pressure (B = 0.006, P = 0.03), and this temperature-IOP link was partly mediated by lower systolic blood pressure in summer.
Conclusions:
- Intraocular pressure exhibits a distinct annual cycle, with elevated levels in winter and reduced levels in summer.
- Environmental temperature appears to influence IOP, with this effect partially explained by seasonal variations in systolic blood pressure.
- These findings support the hypothesis of an environmental impact on IOP and highlight the role of physiological mediators.
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