How does weather change affect glaucoma patients?

  Weather is also an important factor in triggering glaucoma. Changes in weather and the alternation of seasons have a significant impact on the physiological function of the human eye. Glaucoma mostly occurs in winter and spring, and usually strikes within 24 hours of a strong cold air invasion. If strong cold air strikes and the temperature plummets, there may be large fluctuations in IOP. The reason why cold air induces glaucoma is that when the weather changes, it affects the thermoregulatory center and causes fluctuations in IOP by interfering with blood pressure through the vegetative nerves, which leads to the onset of glaucoma; meanwhile, the onset of closed-angle glaucoma is mostly seen in dusk, evening, gloomy weather and cold season because in such weather conditions, people have larger pupils, which can easily cause pupillary blockage and thus induce high IOP. Therefore, glaucoma patients should pay attention to the weather forecast during the cold season, stay outdoors with insufficient lighting, and keep sufficient light at home; try not to go out when strong cold air comes; participate in outdoor activities moderately in warm and sunny weather to avoid elevated IOP; prevent and control colds in sudden cold and hot weather, because coughing and sneezing can trigger elevated IOP.