[Retrospective investigation of seasonal factors influencing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients].
BACKGROUND
Some studies in the literature claim a significant seasonal variation of intraocular pressure (IOP) due to the influence of various factors. The aim of our study was to examine such influences on IOP in the Caucasian population.


METHODS
For a period of 12 years, the data of 172 glaucoma patients from the outpatient glaucoma clinic of the Technical University of Munich were retrospectively evaluated. Most patients had been medically treated to lower their IOP.


RESULTS
Slight seasonal variations were found, with the months of low sunlight correlating with higher measurements than the months of high sunlight. The statistical significance of seasonal variation shown in other studies could not be confirmed in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
The seasonal variation of IOP was not statistically significant in our population. A reason for this finding could be that the patients were using glaucoma medication.
Menzel
C
C
Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Klinikum Rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 München, Deutschland.
Kotliar
K
K
Lanzl
I
I
D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D015897:Comorbidity; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008365:Manometry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons