Seasonal Glaucoma Changes in Winter

Eye Health

As the aging population continues to rise in numbers, many ophthalmologist offices are preparing for a rise in the number of patients treated for glaucoma. For adults who live in areas of the country here extremely cold temperatures are of concern, glaucoma can be especially challenging to treat as the change in temperatures, especially during the winter season, can adversely affect glaucoma treatment.

Intraocular eye pressure can change as the temperature in your environment changes. While the direct change in your eye pressure may not be affected by the temperatures outside on a regular basis, there are some glaucoma patients who experience changes in eye pressure when faced with extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures. Because oxygen particles condense in cold temperatures, the oxygen in and around your eyes may also condense and this will can cause some changes in your eye pressure and even complicate treatment for glaucoma.

In addition to environmental changes that directly affect the eyes, some glaucoma patients also experience a change in eye pressure as a result of high blood pressure complications. With the holiday season typically falling in the winter months, blood pressure can easily rise and this can lead to complications involving intraocular eye pressure. Managing your blood pressure is, therefore, important during the holiday season especially when you suffer from glaucoma.

As the colder temperatures approach, it is prudent to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist to discuss the effects of the cold season on your eye health. With changes in season, from summer to winter, some doctors may find it appropriate to change your medications or to offer additional eye drops for use when exposed to stress, both mental and environmental. The key to your successful control over glaucoma lies in the early detection and preparation as the winter months approach.