Abstract
Purpose: :
To compare the diurnal fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP) assessed in the same day or different days in primary open–angle glaucoma (POAG).
Methods: :
POAG patients had a diurnal tension curve (5 measures, 2:30 hours apart, from 8:00 AM to 18:00 PM). For the measures in different days, we randomly selected one timepoint from the diurnal curve for each patient. All patients were then instructed to return every 3 – 7 days to complete all 5 measures. The same timepoints were used (8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM).
Results: :
Forty–eight eyes from 25 patients were included. The IOP fluctuation (maximum – minimum) was greater when we considered the measures in different days (5.0±2.6mmHg vs. 3.9±1.3mmHg, p=0,01). There was a high correlation for the maximum IOP (r=0.866, p<0.001) and the minimum IOP (r=0,682, p<0,001) between the IOP measures in the same day or different day.
Conclusions: :
The IOP fluctuation in POAG can be assessed using IOP measures in different days, in different timepoints, reproducing a diurnal curve. Apparently, this method can detect a higher IOP fluctuation in POAG patients.
Keywords: intraocular pressure • outflow: trabecular meshwork • clinical research methodology