The Benefit of Nocturnal IOP Reduction in Glaucoma, Including Normal Tension Glaucoma

Nocturnal intraocular pressure (IOP) profiling has shown that the peak IOP usually occurs at night, particularly in patients with glaucoma. Multiple studies have demonstrated that these nocturnal IOP elevations drive glaucomatous progression, often despite stable daytime IOP. Existing vascular dysregulation and decreased nighttime blood pressure compound the damage via low ocular perfusion pressure while elevated nocturnal IOP disrupts axonal transport. These findings are consistent with studies that indicate lowering nocturnal IOP is important for slowing glaucoma progression. Many of the current treatment options lower nighttime IOP significantly less than daytime IOP. Non-invasive IOP-lowering treatments that effectively lower nocturnal IOP remain an unmet need in the treatment of glaucoma.

Duke Scholars

Author Leon Walker Herndon Jr. Ophthalmology, Glaucoma