[Diurnal variation of intraocular pressure in low tension glaucoma]

Around-the clock intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement were performed in 104 eyes of 52 low tension glaucoma (LTG) cases. Subjects were all hospitalized and IOP measurements were done every 2 hours from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and every 3 hours from 12:00 PM to 6:00 AM. All LTG patients met the following criteria, (1) glaucomatous optic nerve head change and corresponding visual field defect, (2) normal open angle, (3) IOP less than or equal to 21mmHg at any time of IOP measurement, (4) no obvious neurological or rhinological disorders that could affect the optic nerve, (5) no history of hemodynamic crisis or cardiovascular disorders except mild hypertension. Peak IOPs were most frequently observed at 10:00 AM, but about 55% of all observed peaks were in the time period from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Most troughs were observed from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The mean IOP, the diurnal variation and the difference between both eyes in the same person averaged 14.1, 4.9, and 0.6mmHg, respectively. Assuming that the period of rhythm is 24 hours, the results of IOP measurements fitted a cosine curve using the least square method. In 44% of all eyes, significant correlation coefficient (r greater than or equal to 0.6, p less than 0.05) between the measured and the predicted IOPs was noted, and an equation, IOP = 14.3 + 1.7cos 2 pi (t/24-0.4 radian), was obtained. Comparing the present results with former ones, we concluded that the IOP changes in LTG patients were similar to those in normal individuals.