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Intraocular pressure follows a circadian rhythm like many of the body's parameters. These fluctuations in intraocular pressure were recently identified as a risk factor for visual field loss, in addition to intraocular pressure itself. Furthermore, the pressure curve seems to have a different profile in glaucomatous PATIENTS: the peak occurs later compared with normal subjects. Better knowledge of pressure fluctuations and their physiological mechanisms is essential for optimal management of glaucomatous patients not only to interpret the single ocular tension recordings, but also to use the available treatments rationally, both drugs and surgery. The authors review different studies that have contributed to the current knowledge on the circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure, aquous humor flow regulation, and the effects of topical hypotensive drugs on the pressure curve. LA: French
Dr. P. Blaise, Service d'Ophtalmologie, CHU Sart Tilman B35, B-4000 Liège, Belgium. Pierre.Blaise@ulg.ac.be
6.1 Intraocular pressure measurement; factors affecting IOP (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods)