Glaucoma risk factors: Fluctuations in intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure (IOP) has been demonstrated to be associated with incidence, prevalence, and progression of glaucoma. However, although there is strong evidence to support mean IOP as a risk factor for both development and progression of the disease, there is uncertainty with regard to the role of IOP fluctuations in glaucoma. Recent major clinical trials have reported discrepant results with regard to the role of IOP fluctuations as a risk factor for glaucoma. The discrepancy may be derived from different definitions of what characterizes IOP fluctuations in the short term and long term, as well as different methods for analysis of the data and other aspects of methodology. Recent methods to evaluate intraocular pressure during the 24 h of the day by the use of contact lens sensors may assist in clarifying the role of pressure fluctuations as a risk factor in glaucoma.

Duke Scholars

Author Felipe Medeiros Ophthalmology, Glaucoma