Climate and Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Retrospective and Multi-Site Study in the High Desert of the United States.

Purpose: While numerous studies have investigated associations between meteorological factors and the incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), findings remain inconclusive. We have identified key limitations in establishing this relationship due to confounding bias in prior research. This retrospective, observational study aims to address these gaps by minimizing residual confounding bias, focusing exclusively on patients aged ≥65 to limit seasonal recreational activity as a risk factor, and using incidence ratio calculations to account for patient intake fluctuations. This study explores these dynamics within the distinct climatic conditions of Las Vegas, Nevada, characterized by intense summer heat, cold winters, and low humidity. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed across four Retina Consultants of Nevada locations from December 2020 to November 2023. The study included patients aged ≥65 diagnosed with a primary RRD. Exclusion criteria were non-residency, recurrent RRD, and comorbid retinal conditions. Monthly RRD incidence ratios were calculated relative to all new patients seen for retinal conditions in the same age group. Environmental data (temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, UV index) were obtained from national meteorological databases. Correlations between meteorological factors and RRD incidence were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Among 308 patients (mean age 72.4 years (SD=5.93), 59.7% male, p=0.0006), no significant correlations were found between RRD incidence and average monthly temperature (r=0.004, p=0.982), barometric pressure (r=-0.047, p=0.786), humidity (r=0.15, p=0.368), or UV index (r=0.072, p=0.68). Seasonal analysis showed a non-significant trend of higher RRD incidence during colder months (r=-0.70, p=0.30). Laterality (right eye: 53.2%) was also not statistically significant (p=0.254). Conclusion: This study's strength lies in addressing confounding factors by focusing on an older, less active population and using incidence ratios to adjust for patient intake fluctuations. The findings challenge prior reports by showing no significant association between meteorological factors and RRD incidence, suggesting a limited role for environmental variables in older subjects.