The frequency of idiopathic retinal detachment has seasonal variation and correlated with climate – A survey in Japan

Abstract

AbstractPurpose Several studies have reported that rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) has a high incidence in the summer season and it correlates with increased sunshine hours and the average temperature. However, there is no report in Japan where seasonal changes in climate are rather distinct. In this study, we examined the seasonal variation of the frequency of RRD and the influence of climate. Asahi General Hospital is located in Asahi city (Chiba, Japan) where there is only a small change of population and furthermore, there is no other hub hospital in the city.Methods Medical records of consecutive 271 patients (>13‐year‐old) who had surgery for idiopathic RRD at Asahi General Hospital from January 2007 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of RRD was counted by months and seasons, and its seasonal variation and the correlation with the climate factors including the sunshine hours, temperature, humidity, and rainfall were examined. Result:Results 271 RRD eyes of 271 patients (176 male and 95 female, 56.0±15.0 years old) were included in the study.The RRD occurred most frequently in early summer (May to June, 21%), and least frequently in winter (January to February, 14%). Its frequency was significantly correlated with increased sunshine hours (r=0.71, P<0.05).Conclusion The incidence of RRD has an increasing trend in summer season in Japan, similarly to the previous reports in Asia, Middle East and Europe. It also positively correlated with increased sunshine hours and average temperature. These findings could suggest the influence of increased opportunity of outdoor‐activities and miosis by sunshine on the occurrence of RRD