Seasonal variation of retinal detachment in Lebanon

The Seasonality of Retinal Detachment: Peaks, Troughs, and Global Trends

Purpose: To examine the seasonality of retinal detachment (RD) and explore global patterns and contributing factors through a narrative review. Methods: Studies investigating seasonal trends in RD incidence across diverse regions were analysed for peak seasons, meteorological influences, and behavioural factors. Results: RD seasonality varies by region. Northern climates (e.g., Finland) report summer peaks linked to prolonged daylight, while warmer climates (e.g., Kuwait) show winter peaks associated with outdoor activity. Some studies found correlations with temperature, light, and atmospheric pressure, while others reported no seasonal variation. Conclusions: RD seasonality reflects a complex interplay of environmental and behavioural factors. Future research should focus on standardised methodologies to clarify these relationships and inform preventative strategies.

Climate and Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Comprehensive Review and Future Research Guidelines

Purpose

Does weather affect the rate of developing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)? This comprehensive review investigates the findings of the most recent studies on the relationship between RRD and climatic or seasonal factors.

Methods

An extensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases resulted in 112 initial results, from which 18 studies published between 1980 and 2024 were selected. The selection criteria were based on the studies' relevance to our topic. We analyzed their methodology, geographic scope, and key findings. Data extraction encompassed study design, sample size, sex ratio, incidence rates, results, and identified limitations.

Results

Eight studies found no statistically significant relationship between seasonal variations and the incidence of RRD. Conversely, seven studies reported an increased incidence of RRD during the summer months. Additionally, secondary analyses of factors, such as ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and daylight hours, showed varied and sometimes conflicting results. A summary of common limitations and biases was synthesized into a table, providing guidelines for future research exploring this topic.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review highlights the complex interaction between environmental factors and RRD incidence. The conflicting results across different studies suggest a need for further research in this area. Future studies should address the identified limitations and biases to provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between climate and RRD. By utilizing the guidelines from our review, future research could aim to minimize confounding factors and improve the robustness of their findings. Understanding these interactions can be used to develop preventive strategies and enhance clinical practices to reduce the burden of RRD.

Meteorological factors and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in metropolitan France

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a sight-threatening condition with rising global incidence. Identifying factors contributing to seasonal variations in RRD would allow a better understanding of RRD pathophysiology. We therefore performed a retrospective case series study investigating the relationship between RRD occurrence and meteorological factors throughout metropolitan France (the METEO-POC study), particularly the mean temperature over the preceding 10-day period (T-1). Adult patients having undergone RRD surgery and residing in one of the three most populated urban areas of each French region were included (January 2011-December 2018). The study involved 21,166 patients with idiopathic RRD (61.1% males, mean age 59.8-65.1 years). RRD incidence per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 7.79 to 11.81. RRD occurrence was not significantly associated with mean temperature over T-1 in the majority of urban areas (31/36). In a minority of areas (5/36) we observed correlations between RRD incidence and mean temperature over T-1, however these were extremely weak (r = 0.1-0.2; p < 0.05). No associations were found between RRD incidence and secondary outcomes: mean daily temperature over the 10 days prior T-1, minimum/maximum temperatures, rainfall, duration of sunshine, atmospheric pressure, overall radiation, relative humidity, wind speed. Overall, we found no relationships between meteorological parameters and RRD occurrence.

NATIONWIDE DEMOGRAPHIC DISPARITIES IN UNITED STATES EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Within the evolving landscape of healthcare in the United States (US), delineating the demographic nuances and financial implications of emergent conditions, such as rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), is paramount. This study seeks to analyze the demographic and hospital billing amount/cost of service disparities in RRD visits to emergency departments (EDs) nationwide.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, population-based study using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision , and Current Procedural Terminology codes in the 2016 to 2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample databases to identify RRD visits. The analysis included demographics, hospital billing amount, and cost of service of RRD ED management.

RESULTS

A total of 12,492 RRD encounters were identified with men constituting 64% and a prominent age group being 50 to 64 years (49.3%). Most patients (90%) were managed in metropolitan teaching hospitals, predominantly in the southern U.S. region (56.1%). Private insurance covered 45% of patients. Same-day RRD repair odds increased in November and December. Whites had a higher likelihood for same-day treatment. Hospital billing amount rose from $23,600 in 2016 to $30,354 in 2019, with stable mean total cost of service. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment ED visit incidence did not show seasonal variation ( P = 0.819).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with RRD in U.S, EDs were middle-aged men, with Whites more likely to receive same-day repair. There was no sex bias observed in same-day repair decision-making. Although hospital billing amount increased over the study period, total cost of service remained stable. The incidence of RRD ED visits showed no seasonal variation.

[Validation of identification criteria for patientshaving surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at Toulouse University Hospital]

INTRODUCTION

Seasonal variations seem to modify the incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), with a summer peak, although the meteorological parameters involved have not been studied in France. In order to conduct a national study evaluating the association between the occurrence of RRD and various climatological variables (METEO-POC study), we need to establish a national cohort of patients having undergone surgery for RRD. The data of the National Health Data System (SNDS) allow the realization of epidemiological studies concerning various pathologies. However, as these databases were initially intended for medical administrative use, the identification of the pathologies coded in these databases must be validated before any use for research purposes. In order to carry out a cohort study using SNDS data, the objective of this study is to validate the identification criteria for patients having undergone RRD surgery at Toulouse University Hospital.

METHODS

We compared the cohort of RRD surgery patients at Toulouse University Hospital from January to December 2017 assembled from SNDS data with the cohort of patients meeting the same selection criteria assembled from Softalmo software data.

RESULTS

With a positive predictive value of 82.0%, a sensitivity of 83.8%, a specificity of 69.9%, and a negative predictive value of 72.5%, we can consider that our eligibility criteria are performing well.

CONCLUSION

Since the selection of patients via SNDS data is reliable at Toulouse University Hospital, we can use it at the national level for the METEO-POC study.

Joint effects of meteorological factors and PM2.5 on age-related macular degeneration: a national cross-sectional study in China

BACKGROUND

Weather conditions are a possible contributing factor to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of irreversible loss of vision. The present study evaluated the joint effects of meteorological factors and fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on AMD.

METHODS

Data was extracted from a national cross-sectional survey conducted across 10 provinces in rural China. A total of 36,081 participants aged 40 and older were recruited. AMD was diagnosed clinically by slit-lamp ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Meteorological data were calculated by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis and were matched to participants' home addresses by latitude and longitude. Participants' individual PM_2.5 exposure concentrations were calculated by a satellite-based model at a 1-km resolution level. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models paired with interaction analysis were performed to investigate the joint effects of meteorological factors and PM_2.5 on AMD.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AMD in the study population was 2.6% (95% CI 2.42-2.76%). The average annual PM_2.5 level during the study period was 63.1 ± 15.3 µg/m³. A significant positive association was detected between AMD and PM_2.5 level, temperature (T), and relative humidity (RH), in both the independent and the combined effect models. For PM_2.5, compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across increasing quartiles were 0.828 (0.674,1.018), 1.105 (0.799,1.528), and 2.602 (1.516,4.468). Positive associations were observed between AMD and temperature, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.625 (1.059,2.494), 1.619 (1.026,2.553), and 3.276 (1.841,5.830), across increasing quartiles. In the interaction analysis, the estimated relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and the attributable proportion (AP) for combined atmospheric pressure and PM_2.5 was 0.864 (0.586,1.141) and 1.180 (0.768,1.592), respectively, indicating a synergistic effect between PM_2.5 and atmospheric pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is among the first to characterize the coordinated effects of meteorological factors and PM_2.5 on AMD. The findings warrant further investigation to elucidate the relationship between ambient environment and AMD.

Clinical findings in acute posterior vitreous detachment

PURPOSE

To analyze the typical presentation of acute posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), including demographics and prevalence of various treatable findings in the same and fellow eye.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of medical records from 2346 patients with acute PVD. Descriptive statistics were generated on age, sex, contact date, visual acuity, and slit lamp, and fundoscopy findings. Multivariate regressions were used to generate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to quantify associations between variables.

RESULTS

A total of 4692 eyes from 2346 patients were analyzed. Most patients were female (60.5%) with an average age of 62.8 years old. Overall, 605 patients (25.8%) had any additional ocular finding on fundus exam, including pigmentation (N = 184, 7.8%), lattice degeneration (N = 158, 6.7%), tear (N = 131, 5.6%), and hole (N = 131, 5.2%). Unilateral retinal detachment was present in 26 patients (1.1%), and these patients demonstrated a similar rate (26.9%) of additional ocular findings compared to the entire sample size. Female sex (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03-1.43, p = 0.020) was independently associated with presentation during spring or summer.

CONCLUSION

Acute PVD is associated with a number of risk factors and peripheral lesions. These findings may be useful in treating and predicting the course and development of PVD.

Characteristics and Seasonal Variations of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey: 8-Year Results

Objectives:

To assess seasonal variations in the incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey.

Materials and Methods:

Patients presenting due to primary RRD to a university hospital operating as a reference clinic in the region between 2011 and 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients’ ages, sex, affected eye, and presentation times were recorded. Years were divided into months, quarters, seasons, and half-year periods, and these periods were analyzed in terms of differences in patient numbers.

Results:

Two hundred eighty-one eyes of 276 patients meeting the study criteria were included. The patients’ mean age was 60.2 years, and the male:female ratio was 1.35:1. Right and left eye rates were similar. Detachments were most common (49.4%) in the upper temporal quadrant. Eighty-nine patients (31.6%) had undergone uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery a mean 2.7 years previously. The mean annual case number was 35.13±5.43, and no statistically significant variation was determined in case numbers by year (p=0.558). Analysis of all years revealed a monthly mean case number of 23.42±4.4, with the highest number of cases, 29 (10.3%), being seen in September and the lowest number, 13 (4.7%), in December. No statistically significant monthly variation was determined (p=0.613). Similarly, no statistically significant variation was observed in case numbers analyzed by quarter, season, or half-year (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

The incidence of cases of uncomplicated RRD does not exhibit seasonal variation in our region. We also think that since 31.6% had a history of cataract surgery, patients undergoing phacoemulsification surgery, even if uncomplicated, should be periodically assessed for detachment.

Association of meteorological factors with the frequency of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in Japan

This 5-year ecological study assessed the association between meteorological factors and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) frequency in 571 eyes of 543 cases of primary RRD at the Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital, Japan. We examined the monthly and seasonal distributions of RRD frequency using one-way analysis of variance. We then evaluated the relationship between monthly RRD frequency and 36 meteorological parameters using Poisson regression analysis. Furthermore, we developed multivariate regression models to predict the frequency of RRD based on specific meteorological parameters. There were no significant differences in the monthly and seasonal distributions (monthly, P = 0.99; seasonal, P = 0.77). The following eight parameters were associated with a lower RRD frequency: average sea level barometric pressure and average daily variation of average temperature, maximum temperature, maximum wind speed, maximum instantaneous wind speed, humidity, average sea level barometric pressure, and minimum sea level barometric pressure (P < 0.05). The best model to predict RRD frequency showed sufficient validity (Akaike’s information criterion with correction for small sample size = 332.0) and predictive power (proportion of variance explained by cross-validation method = 84.82%, 95% CI 72.18–93.72). In conclusion, low atmospheric pressure and high meteorological stability are significantly associated with a higher frequency of RRD. In addition, the Poisson regression analysis showed sufficient validity and predictability for predicting RRD frequency.

Incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in France from 2010 to 2016: seasonal and geographical variations

AIMS

To investigate the annual and monthly hospital incidence rate of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) from 2010 to 2016 in France at the national and regional levels.

METHODS

In this nationwide database study, we identified hospital and clinic admissions of French residents for a first episode of RRD in France during 2010-2016 from the national administrative database. The annual and monthly hospital incidence rates of RRD per 100 000 population were calculated for the whole country and for each region.

RESULTS

The average annual national hospital incidence rate of RRD was 21.97±1.04 per 100 000 population. The annual national hospital incidence rate of RRD was the lowest in 2010 (20.91 per 100 000 population) after which it increased until 2015 (23.55 per 100 000 population). The average monthly national RRD hospital incidence rate was the highest in June (2.03±0.12 per 100 000 population) and the lowest in August (1.60±0.09). The average annual age-standardised and sex-standardised regional hospital incidence rate was the highest in Guadeloupe and Pays de la Loire (28.30±2.74 and 26.13±0.84 per 100 000 population, respectively) and the lowest in French Guiana and Martinique (15.51±3.50 and 17.29±2.12 per 100 000 population, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The average annual national hospital incidence rate of RRD increased from 2010 to 2015. The hospital incidence rate of RRD seemed to vary according to season and geographical location.

The Association between the Frequency of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and Atmospheric Temperature

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) frequency was observed to be higher with an increase in the daily temperature range. This showed that a wide daily range of temperature, rather than the absolute value of the temperature, is associated with the occurrence of RRD. Purpose. To investigate the association between the frequency of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and the atmospheric temperature. Method. A retrospective review of consecutive eyes that had undergone primary RRD surgery from 1996 to 2016 at Chungbuk National University Hospital was conducted. Temperature data (highest, lowest, and mean daily temperatures and daily temperature range) in Chungbuk Province were obtained from the Korean Meteorological Administration database. We investigated the relationship between the daily temperature range and the frequency of RRD surgery. We also analyzed the association between various temperature data and the frequency of RRD surgery. Result. There were 1,394 RRD surgeries from 1996 to 2016. Among them, 974 eyes were included in this study. The monthly average number of RRD operations showed a bimodal peak (in April and October) throughout the year. With the same tendency as the frequency of RRD, the monthly average of the daily temperature range over 1 year also showed a bimodal peak in April and October. There was a significant positive correlation between the monthly average of the daily temperature range and the number of RRD surgeries (r = 0.297, P < 0.001). However, there were no associations between RRD frequency and the mean temperature, highest temperature, and lowest temperature. Conclusion. The higher the daily temperature range, the higher was the RRD frequency observed. We speculated that dynamic changes in temperature during the day may affect degrees in chorioretinal adhesion and liquefaction of the vitreous, which may eventually result in retinal detachment. Therefore, further experimental studies on the correlation between temperature changes and retinal detachment are needed.

Climate and the eye: Case-crossover analysis of retinal detachment after exposure to ambient heat

BACKGROUND

Retinal detachment is an important cause of visual loss, but the association with outdoor heat exposure has not been studied. Our objective was to determine the relationship between acute exposure to high outdoor temperature and risk of retinal detachment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analysed 14,302 individuals with inpatient procedures for retinal detachment from April through September between 2006 and 2013 in the province of Quebec, Canada. Using a time-stratified case-crossover study design, we examined the association of retinal detachment with outdoor summer temperature the preceding week. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mean weekly temperature according to subtypes of retinal detachment (traction, serous, rhegmatogenous, breaks), and assessed associations by age and sex.

RESULTS

Exposure to elevated temperature the preceding week was associated with a higher likelihood of traction detachment, but not other forms of retinal detachment. Associations were stronger at <75 years of age in both men and women. Relative to 15°C, a mean weekly temperature of 25°C was associated with an OR for traction detachment of 2.71 (95% CI 1.56-4.71) before 55 years, 2.73 (95% CI 1.61-4.64) at 55-64 years, and 1.98 (95% CI 1.30-3.02) at 64-75 years.

DISCUSSION

Elevated outdoor temperatures may be associated with an increased risk of traction retinal detachment. In light of climate change, a better understanding of the impact of heat waves on the eye and other sensory organs is needed.

Retinal detachment surgery in Western Australia (2000-2013): a whole-population study

AIMS

To determine the background incidence rate of retinal detachment (RD) in Western Australia (WA) between 2000 and 2013, identify sociodemographic features associated with increased risk of incident RD and examine trends in surgical repair technique.

METHODS

A whole-population retrospective observational study of all people in WA was carried out using linked hospital inpatient records. Cases of RD were identified using a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and ICD-10-AM (Australian modification) diagnosis and procedure codes from routinely collected hospital inpatient data provided by the WA Data Linkage Branch. A Poisson regression model was used to examine the influence of age group, gender, season and year of surgery on RD incidence rates.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Age-standardised and sex-standardised incidence of first-eye RD and incidence rate ratio (IRR) of first-eye RD associated with age, sex and season. Counts of RD repair according to surgical technique.

RESULTS

There were 4376 first-eye RD between 2000 and 2013. Age-standardised incidence ranged between 12.78 and 16.20 cases per 1 00 000 person-years. After adjusting for age, year and season, males had a higher risk than females for incident detachment (IRR 1.82, 95% CI (CI) 1.71 to 1.93), as did those aged 60-79 years (IRR 33.26, 95% CI 27.60 to 40.08) compared with those aged less than 20 years. RD repair with vitrectomy alone increased by 59% over the study period.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of first-eye RD remained stable between 2000 and 2013. The risk was higher in males and with older age.

Climate and season: the effects on ophthalmic diseases

Seasonal changes and climate have a significant impact on human health. Diseases influenced by temperature and climate conditions are likely to undergo dynamic pattern shifts with consequent impact on human health. A number of infectious and non-infectious ophthalmic diseases are influenced by temperature and seasonality. Awareness of this is important from public and global health perspective in addition to resource allocation strategies. We examine the evidence for a seasonal pattern to ophthalmic diseases and assess the possible impact of climate change.

Seasonal Variation in the Occurrence of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE

Seasonal predilection is reported in the occurrence of various systemic and ocular diseases. An attempt was made to evaluate the existence of such an association in the development of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The aims of the study were to investigate the existence of seasonal variation in the occurrence of RRD and to analyze the predisposing factors for such variation.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective review.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all cases of RRD during a period of 2 years (June 2012 to May 2014) was carried out. The details regarding demographic profile, clinical features, and the month of occurrence of RRD were collected. Climatic parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and number of sun hours were noted. The various factors were compared with SPSS version 17.0, and χ test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 76 cases of RRD, 38.2% occurred in the hot humid summer months (P = 0.046) followed by 22.4% in the cool humid winter months. Subtotal retinal detachments were more common in summer (P = 0.015). Factors suggestive of vitreous dehydration such as posterior vitreous detachment, intraocular pressure, and intraocular pressure of fellow eye were not associated with this seasonal variation. The peak minimum temperature, peak maximum temperature, and sun hours were related to this finding. High relative humidity and low rainfall were also associated.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment shows definite seasonal variation which peaks in the summer months. Meteorological parameters may further play a role in determining the onset of retinal detachment.

[Seasonal variation in the occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at the beginning of the 21st century. Study results and literature review]

AIM

The present study aims to ascertain whether there are seasonal variations in the occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at the beginning of the 21st century, compare these results with seasonal variations observed in the literature for the 20th century, and determine whether current general lifestyle changes in terms of the increased use of visual media (TV, PC) and a decrease in outdoor activity influence seasonal patterns of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

METHOD

A quantitative retrospective analysis of 2605 surgical protocols of retinal detachment repair procedures performed at the eye clinic of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany, between 1998 and 2008 was carried out.

RESULTS

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was diagnosed in 1490 cases and, as such, was the most frequently occurring type of retinal detachment during the selected period of time (p = 0.001). A seasonal distribution was detected with statistically significant maximum and minimum incidences in July and October, respectively, (p = 0.008). These results are consistent with the findings of large studies conducted in the 20(th) century that observed a maximum in the summer months and a minimum in the winter months. Furthermore, in the period between 2003 and 2008 significantly more rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were observed than from 1998 to 2002 (p = 0.001). During school holiday periods 1.43% fewer rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were observed than had been estimated statistically. The increased number of hours of sunlight and increased average monthly temperatures had no significant impact on the occurrence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

CONCLUSION

Current changes in lifestyle in terms of the increased use of visual media and a decrease in outdoor activity do not appear to have influenced the seasonal variation in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Factors other than light intensity and average temperature that have not yet been evaluated appear to be the cause of these seasonal variations.

Seasonality of retinal detachment incidence and its associations with climate: an 11-year nationwide population-based study

This study aimed to examine the seasonal variability of retinal detachment (RD) in Taiwan by using an 11-yr nationwide population database. This study also investigated the association of weather conditions, i.e., ambient temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, monthly hours of sunshine, and atmospheric pressure, with RD. Data were retrospectively collected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The study sample included 23 718 RD hospitalizations between January 1999 and December 2009. The incidence rate of RD/100 000 people over the 132 months was computed according to sex and age groupings of <20, 20-39, 40-59, and ≥60 yrs. Then, the association between climatic factors and the monthly RD incidence rate was examined. The ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average) method was also employed to test the seasonality of RD incidence rates and their association with climatic factors. The annual RD incidence rates were between 7.8 and 10.8 cases/100 000 people during the study period. A fairly similar seasonal pattern of monthly RD incidence rates was apparent for males and females and males and females combined. Rates were highest August through October, decreasing in November, and lowest in February. After adjusting for time, trend, and month, the ARIMA regression models for the male, female, and males and females combined consistently revealed the monthly RD incidence rate was significantly and positively associated with ambient temperature, but negatively associated with atmospheric pressure. The authors conclude that the monthly RD incidence rates were significantly associated with seasonality. The monthly RD incidence rates were positively associated with ambient temperature and negatively associated with atmospheric pressure.