Continuous 24-hour ocular dimensional profile recording in medically treated normal-tension glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Ocular Physiology

Background:

• Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) is a progressive optic neuropathy.
• Managing NTG often involves medical treatment to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Understanding the 24-hour IOP fluctuations is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the 24-hour ocular dimensional profile in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients receiving medical treatment.
• To investigate diurnal and nocturnal variations in IOP-related parameters.

Main Methods:

• A contact lens-based sensor device was used to monitor the ocular dimensional profile for 24 hours in medically treated NTG patients.
• Data collected included variability from the mean, and the number of peaks and troughs during diurnal and nocturnal periods.
• Subjects were on an average of 1.7 antiglaucoma medications, with 56.6% using a prostaglandin analog.

Main Results:

• Nocturnal variability around the mean signal was 48.9% lower than diurnal variability.
• The number of peaks was 54.7% lower during the nocturnal period compared to the diurnal period.
• The rate of ocular dimensional profile increase upon falling asleep was significantly greater than the rate of decrease upon waking.

Conclusions:

• Medically treated NTG subjects exhibit greater IOP-related pattern variability during daytime hours.
• Fewer IOP peaks are observed during the sleep period in NTG patients.
• The diurnal fluctuation pattern differs significantly between daytime and nighttime in NTG patients.