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IOP variations in the sitting and supine positions
Jorge Jorge1, Rui Ramoa-Marques, Adelaide Lourenço
1Clinical and Experimental Optometry Research Lab, Department of Physics (Optometry), School of Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. jorge@fisica.uminho.pt
Journal of Glaucoma
|February 19, 2010
Summary
Intraocular pressure (IOP) significantly increases when measured in the supine position compared to upright. This study demonstrates that a portable tonometer can detect these IOP variations in healthy young adults.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical metric in ophthalmic health.
- Accurate IOP measurement is essential for diagnosing and managing glaucoma and other ocular conditions.
- Body positioning can influence physiological measurements, including IOP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of body position (upright versus supine) on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements.
- To assess the utility of a non-contact portable tonometer in detecting position-induced IOP changes.
Main Methods:
- Fifty healthy university students (mean age 22.3±4.2 years) participated.
- Intraocular pressure was measured using the Keeler Pulsair EasyEye non-contact tonometer.
- Measurements were taken in both upright and supine positions in a randomized sequence.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in IOP was observed between repeated upright measurements (UP1 and UP2).
- A statistically significant increase in IOP of 2.47±2.12 mm Hg (mean±SD) was recorded in the supine position compared to the upright position (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Intraocular pressure measurements are significantly affected by body position, increasing in the supine posture.
- The portable Keeler Pulsair EasyEye tonometer is capable of accurately detecting these IOP variations in a young, healthy population.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering patient positioning during IOP assessment.
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