Seasonal Variation of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Greece: Temperature, Humidity, and Atmospheric Pressure as Risk Factors

Background This study aims to investigate the seasonal incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in Greece, evaluating factors such as average temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure as potential risk factors for the observed patterns. Methodology A total of 363 patients diagnosed with RRD during a four-year period (January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023) were analyzed retrospectively. Climate data for the present study were obtained from the records of the National Meteorological Service of Greece. The meteorological parameters included in the study were average temperature (°C), humidity (%), average atmospheric pressure (hPa), and monthly duration of sunshine (hours). The correlation of the above meteorological parameters with the occurrence of retinal detachment was analyzed both univariately (independent correlation of each meteorological parameter with retinal detachment) and multivariately (combined correlation of the meteorological parameters with retinal detachment). Results A statistically significant relationship was observed between the incidence of RRD and average temperature, average relative humidity, and average duration of sunshine, as indicated by the chi-square test (p < 0.005). However, no correlation was observed between the incidence of RRD and average atmospheric pressure. Conclusions This is the first epidemiological study conducted in Greece to assess the influence of meteorological and seasonal factors on the incidence of RRD. Our results indicate that the incidence of RRD in the central region of Greece is associated with a significant seasonal pattern, which can be attributed to average temperatures, humidity levels, and hours of sunlight.