Changes in the weather can influence our eyes more than we might think - especially when it comes to the complex web of optic nerves, neuro-ophthalmic functions and their implications for vision, eye movement and the brain. People often notice increased incidence of headaches, fluctuating vision, eye strain or exacerbations of chronic neurological eye conditions following sudden changes in weather.
An understanding of whether climate is influencing a patient's neuro-ophthalmic symptoms may better equip them to manage their symptoms.
In this article, we discuss how weather impacts the optic nerves and neuro-ophthalmic functions, why the symptoms often worsen with seasonal change and when to seek specialty care.
1. How Weather Impacts the Eye-Brain Connection
Neuro-ophthalmology specifically studies the interaction between the brain and optic nerves in the process of creating vision. Changes in temperature, humidity and barometric air precess changes can disrupt neurologic function.
a) Barometric Pressure Changes
Often, we experience a rapid drop in barometric pressure - somewhat synonymously to the onset of rain and/or thunderstorm. Rainy weather can effect individuals with:
Optic neuritis
- Ocular migraines (migraine-associated visual phenomena)
- diopathic intracranial hypertension (elevated intracranial pressures)
- Trigeminal neuralgia (neuropathic facial pain)
The drop in barometric pressures can lead to increased inflammation of optic nerves and/or altered blood flow to the optic structures, and resulting in:
- Eye Pain
- Pressure behind the eye(s)
- Flashes/flickering
- Blurred vision
- Worsening headaches
b) Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, which will complicate tear production and/or the function of optic nerves. Symptoms can include:
- Visually difficulty focusing
- Photophobia/sensitivity to light
- Dry eye's - related to degraded oil layers on the tear film - aggravating neurological symptoms
- For individuals with specific conditions, like MS-associated optic neuritis, heat can cause an acute reduction in vision that will resolve when temperatures drop (Uhthoff's phenomenon).
c) Cold Weather
Cold air leads to decreased blood circulation to tissues, which can adversely affect the optic nerve and eye muscles.Common issues include:
- Twitching or spasms
- Stiffness in eye movement
- Increased tearing that results in blurry vision
- Cold winds also create migraines that disrupt clearer vision.
d) Changes in Humidity
In high humidity, there can be swelling of the soft tissue around the eye that aggravates:
- Sinus pressure that refers pain to the eye
- Pain in the optic nerve
- Migraine visual auraLow humidity dries the eye and it increases the strain of focusing on screens, triggering discomfort.
2. Common Neuro-Ophthalmic Symptoms Related to Weather
Weather-related changes can cause or exacerbate several symptoms that relate to a neurological process in the eye. Some of the most common symptoms are:
1. Eye Pain & Pressure
In individuals dealing with inflammation of the optic nerve, often another weather phenomenon will flare the pain. "The change in pressure will increase the pain that is behind or around the eye."
2. Headache with visual disturbances
Patients suffering migraines may describe tiredness with the following visual disturbances:
- Flashing lights
- Double vision
- Temporary blind spots
- Zig zag lines
Weather changes, but especially bright sunlight, stormy conditions, or a blast of cold wind, can initiate flare ups.
3. Blurred or Fluctuating Vision
Heat, hydration levels, and humidity may relax the quality of vision temporarily. Often this is benign, however, it can relate to a more systemic issue with a nerve that is being irritated to the visual cortex of the brain.
4. Light Sensitivity
Bright light, harsh light, or climatic diffusions can reteach the optic nerve to go into constant firing, called photophobia.
5. Abnormalities in Eye Movement
Some people will mirror the following eye movement changes
- Difficulty focusing
- Fatigue of the muscle of the eye
- Nystagmus (uncontrolled movement)
3. Weather-related triggers for specific neuro-ophthalmic conditions.
1.Visual Symptoms Related to Migraines
One of the most notable migraine triggers is changing weather. A slight temperature or pressure change can cause:
- Aura
- Temporary loss of vision
- Flickering lights
2. Optic Neuritis
A heat or fever can temporarily exacerbate symptoms. A specific phenomenon called Uhthoff's phenomenon can cause blurred vision or problems with contrast sensitivity.
3. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
Headaches triggered by weather contribute to the increased pressure around the brain and optic nerves. Humid weather or anything with a drop in pressure will often exasperate symptoms.
4. Myasthenia Gravis
Extreme temperatures can affect muscle function, including the eye muscles. Symptoms can include:
- Droopy eyelids
- Double vision
- Poor eye coordination
5. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)-Related Symptoms
Heat and fatigue can be significant triggers to decrease optic nerve function. Once again, weather changes can spell doom for visual deficits!
4. Tips for Protecting Your Eyes During Weather Changes
1. Stay Hydrated
When you become dehydrated, you adversely impact the performance of your optic nerve as well as the production of tears. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps to stabilize vision.
2. Wear Protect Eye Wear
Sunglasses with UV protection will help prevent two things: letting in bright light as well as straining the optic nerve as a result.
3. Stable Indoor Environments
Try using:
- Humidifiers when weather is dry
- Dehumidifiers when weather is humid
- Air conditioning to prevent overheating
4. Avoid Direct Wind Exposure
Col winds cause tearing in the eye and discomfort related to the optic nerve. Cover the eyes when exposed to the above conditions.
5. Follow the Orders of Your Medical Doctor
If you suffer from:
- IIH
- Optic neuritis
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia Gravis
Make sure you are meeting your meds as prescribed and checking in with a specialist if your symptoms worsen.
6. Take Breaks from Screens
Dry indoor air plus your screen time will fatigue your optic nerve. Keep the 20-20-20 rule in mind: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
5. When to See a Neuro-Ophthalmologist
If you experience either:
- A sudden loss of vision
- A constant pain in your eye
- A severe headache with visual symptoms
- Double vision
- Droopy eyelids
- Frequent weather-related flare-ups
You should seek emergency care; these may indicate problems with your optic nerve and or brain that require evaluation from a specialist.
Weather does affect how your eye nerves function and is especially influential when you have neurological eye conditions. Understanding how weather affects your eye nerves will empower you to find steps to proactively mitigate and control your symptoms before the weather really affects your daily life. If you notice symptoms repeatedly developing or worsening with changes in environment related to weather or diagnosis, it is important to plan on getting an evaluation by the specialist.
As always, The Eye Foundation is committed to providing you with expert neuro-ophthalmic care.
Book Appointment today and protect your vision with proper timing to diagnosis and treatment.
