J Retin.
2021 Nov;6(2):84-91. 10.21561/jor.2021.6.2.84.
Seasonal Variation in the Occurrence of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Korea: A Three-year Nationwide Study of the Korean Population
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- 2Division of Endocrinology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- KMID: 2552173
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.21561/jor.2021.6.2.84
Abstract
- Purpose
Present study aimed to investigate the presence of seasonal variation in the prevalence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to analyze the associations of such variations with meteorological variables.
Methods
Nationwide insurance claims data from July 2014 to June 2017 were reviewed. All patients who underwent surgery for RRD were included, but those with a history of ocular trauma were excluded. Meteorological parameters were acquired from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Average monthly temperature (℃), humidity (%), and hours of sunlight were included in the analysis.
Results
In total, 39,410 cases among 32,088 patients were included in this study. RRD reached peak prevalence in the spring, whereas its lowest prevalence was observed in the winter. The highest prevalence was observed in concert with a temperature range of 20℃ to 25℃, 60% to 70% humidity, and 160 to 200 hours per month of sunlight, and less than 100 mm per month of rainfall. The prevalence of RRD decreased with extreme temperature and humidity and increased rainfall.
Conclusions
The prevalence of RRD in Korea exhibits seasonal variations and appears related to meteorological variables. The occurrence of RRD is reduced in extreme weather conditions that limit physical activity. These results show that understanding seasonal and climatic effects on the development of RRD can aid in its prevention and assist in early diagnosis.
