Effect of Different Postures on Intraocular Pressure in Open-Angle Glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Intraocular Pressure Dynamics

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a primary modifiable risk factor for OAG progression.
• Understanding IOP fluctuations in different body postures is crucial for managing OAG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pattern of intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in various body postures among patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma (OAG).
• To identify specific postures that significantly elevate IOP in OAG patients.
• To provide insights for managing IOP fluctuations through postural adjustments.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 74 patients (148 eyes) with diagnosed OAG.
• IOP measurements were recorded in multiple positions: supine, lateral decubitus (left and right), head tilted downwards (30°), seated, standing, and walking.
• Each position was maintained for 5 minutes prior to IOP measurement, with participants looking forward and remaining alert.

Main Results:

• A significant inverse correlation was observed between position height and IOP (r=0.037, p<0.001).
• IOP was significantly higher in supine, left lateral decubitus, right lateral decubitus, and head tilted downwards positions compared to the seated position (p<0.001).
• IOP decreased significantly when standing (p=0.008) and walking (p<0.001) compared to seated.
• IOP was higher in lateral decubitus positions than in the supine position (p=0.008, p=0.001).

Conclusions:

• Body posture significantly influences intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients.
• Head-down, supine, and lateral decubitus positions are associated with elevated IOP compared to seated positions.
• Patients with OAG may benefit from modifying daily postures to mitigate IOP fluctuations and potentially slow disease progression.