An interesting review summarises recent data on nocturnal events that may lead to the development or progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
What happens to the glaucoma patient during sleep?
An interesting review summarises recent data on nocturnal events that may lead to the development or progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Intraocular pressure (IOP) peaks are likely to occur during the night due to the positions assumed by the head and body during sleep: sleeping with the head raised to 30° reduces IOP during this time.
Laser trabeculoplasty and glaucoma filtering surgery are effective in controlling 24-hour IOP, whereas most medical therapies may not achieve this goal. An overnight increase in IOP associated with reduced blood pressure leads to lower perfusion eye pressure, which can significantly increase the risk of progression of glaucomatous damage. Discordant, however, are the data on the association between glaucoma and obstructive sleep apnoea.
See Current Opinion in Ophthalmology of March 2013
Dr. Carmelo Chines
Direttore responsabile
English 
Italian