As temperatures drop, people with glaucoma may want to pay closer attention. Medical Xpress reported that colder air temperatures may significantly increase the fluid pressure inside the eye in people with glaucoma.
Why pressure matters
In most types of glaucoma, high pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve over time. Treatment works by lowering that pressure with drops, laser, or surgery. Eye pressure naturally changes during the day and night, and this research suggests the environment, including temperature, may affect it too.
What patients can do
- Use your glaucoma drops every day, at the same times, in every season.
- Do not run out of medicine during holiday travel; refill early.
- Keep your scheduled pressure checks, including in winter.
- Tell your eye doctor if you will spend time in a very cold climate.
Southern California winters are mild, but many of our patients travel to snowy destinations for the holidays or ski trips. It is a good time to make sure your treatment is working well.
Seasonal research is still early
Studies like this show associations; they do not mean cold weather alone causes glaucoma to worsen. But they remind us that eye pressure is dynamic, and regular monitoring helps your doctor adjust treatment.
Glaucoma care at Khanna Vision Institute
Khanna Vision Institute offers glaucoma screening and ongoing care, including pressure checks and optic nerve imaging. We serve patients from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks.
More eye-health articles at Premium Cataract Surgery before your winter travels.
Source: Colder air temperatures may significantly increase fluid pressure inside the eye in people with glaucoma (Medical Xpress, 09/29/2026). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.
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