Ilia Piven1, Yoseph Glovinsky. 1. *Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel †Private Glaucoma Clinic.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Evaluation of data obtained during diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by means of the Goldmann Applanation tonometer in sitting and lateral decubitus positions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 41 consecutive untreated subjects (82 eyes) with ocular hypertension or suspicious discs. The IOP was measured by Goldmann Applanation tonometer in sitting position at 9 AM, 12 AM, 3 PM, and 6 PM; and in right lateral decubitus position around 12:15 PM. RESULTS: In the right eye (RE) mean peak IOP was 22.19±4.68 mm Hg. In the left eye (LE) peak mean IOP was 22.19±3.8 mm Hg. In 91.5% of the eyes, the IOP increased in the lateral decubitus position. The average change in the RE was an increment of 4.22±2.67 mm Hg (P<0.001) and in the LE an increment of 3.51±3.11 (P<0.001). This increment was significantly higher in the dependent eye (i.e., lower eye) (P=0.049). Sixty-seven percent of eyes had a positional elevation of IOP between 2 and 5 mm Hg and 23.2% of eyes had IOP elevation between 6 and 12 mm Hg. In the great majority of the eyes (80.5% RE and 78% LE) the lateral decubitus IOP was greater than maximal diurnal sitting IOP. CONCLUSIONS: The IOP in the lateral decubitus position was significantly higher than the mean maximal diurnal sitting IOP. Over 20% of the patients had an IOP increase of ≥6 mm Hg when lying down. Timely identification of patients with excessive postural elevation of IOP could affect their management and prevent visual fields loss.
PURPOSE: Evaluation of data obtained during diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by means of the Goldmann Applanation tonometer in sitting and lateral decubitus positions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 41 consecutive untreated subjects (82 eyes) with ocular hypertension or suspicious discs. The IOP was measured by Goldmann Applanation tonometer in sitting position at 9 AM, 12 AM, 3 PM, and 6 PM; and in right lateral decubitus position around 12:15 PM. RESULTS: In the right eye (RE) mean peak IOP was 22.19±4.68 mm Hg. In the left eye (LE) peak mean IOP was 22.19±3.8 mm Hg. In 91.5% of the eyes, the IOP increased in the lateral decubitus position. The average change in the RE was an increment of 4.22±2.67 mm Hg (P<0.001) and in the LE an increment of 3.51±3.11 (P<0.001). This increment was significantly higher in the dependent eye (i.e., lower eye) (P=0.049). Sixty-seven percent of eyes had a positional elevation of IOP between 2 and 5 mm Hg and 23.2% of eyes had IOP elevation between 6 and 12 mm Hg. In the great majority of the eyes (80.5% RE and 78% LE) the lateral decubitus IOP was greater than maximal diurnal sitting IOP. CONCLUSIONS: The IOP in the lateral decubitus position was significantly higher than the mean maximal diurnal sitting IOP. Over 20% of the patients had an IOP increase of ≥6 mm Hg when lying down. Timely identification of patients with excessive postural elevation of IOP could affect their management and prevent visual fields loss.