Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
08:55
Translaminar Autonomous System Model for the Modulation of Intraocular and Intracranial Pressure in Human Donor Posterior Segments
Published on: April 24, 2020
Cerebrospinal fluid pressure is decreased in primary open-angle glaucoma
John P Berdahl1, R Rand Allingham, Douglas H Johnson
1Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. johnberdahl@gmail.com
Ophthalmology
|May 3, 2008
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid pressure is significantly lower in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This finding suggests cerebrospinal fluid pressure may contribute to POAG development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- The pathogenesis of POAG is multifactorial, involving intraocular pressure (IOP) and potentially other systemic factors.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure is a potential systemic factor influencing ocular physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare CSF pressure between patients diagnosed with POAG and a control group without glaucoma.
- To investigate the relationship between CSF pressure and glaucoma severity indicators.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted using data from 31,786 subjects who underwent lumbar puncture.
- The study analyzed 28 POAG patients and 49 non-glaucoma controls.
- Retrospective chart review and statistical analyses (univariate and multivariate) were employed.
Main Results:
- Mean CSF pressure was significantly lower in POAG patients (9.2+/-2.9 mmHg) compared to controls (13.0+/-4.2 mmHg; P<0.00005).
- Lower CSF pressure in POAG patients was consistent across different LP indications and age groups.
- Optic disc cup-to-disc ratio independently correlated with IOP, CSF pressure, and translaminar pressure difference, with larger ratios associated with lower CSF pressure.
Conclusions:
- CSF pressure is demonstrably lower in individuals with POAG.
- These findings support the hypothesis that reduced CSF pressure may play a role in the development of POAG.
- Further research into the interplay of CSF pressure and POAG pathogenesis is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:29Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...