Inter-eye correlation analysis of 24-h IOPs and glaucoma progression

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Ocular Physiology

Background:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a key factor in glaucoma management.
• Understanding the predictive value of 24-hour IOP monitoring for glaucoma progression is crucial.
• Analyzing inter-eye relationships in IOP, perfusion, and progression can offer insights into disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring as a predictor of glaucoma progression.
• To analyze the inter-eye relationships between IOP, ocular perfusion, and glaucoma progression.
• To assess the diagnostic utility of various IOP parameters in detecting disease advancement.

Main Methods:

• Data extracted from manually drawn IOP curves using HIOP-Reader software.
• Analysis of relationships between IOP, mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.
• ROC curve analysis for peak IOP (Tmax), average IOP (Tavg), and IOP variation (IOPvar) to detect glaucoma progression (RNFL loss rate).

Main Results:

• Included 217 eyes; average IOP 14.8 ± 3.5 mmHg with 24-h variation of 5.2 ± 2.9 mmHg.
• 52% of eyes showed RNFL progression; no significant differences in Tmax, Tavg, or IOPvar between progressors and non-progressors.
• Poor sensitivity and specificity of 24-h and outpatient IOP variables for detecting disease progression; weak correlation between IOP parameters and disease progression.

Conclusions:

• Single-visit IOP monitoring (outpatient or inpatient) is an inadequate diagnostic tool for glaucoma progression.
• Inter-eye correlations for glaucoma progression and perfusion pressure are weak to moderate.
• Further research may be needed to identify reliable predictors of glaucoma progression.