Association of high-pillow sleeping posture with intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma

BACKGROUND: Intraocular pressure (IOP) exhibits significant fluctuations in response to changes in body posture. Postural modification may serve as a potential adjunctive strategy for IOP management in glaucoma patients. METHODS: A total of 144 patients with glaucoma were enrolled in this study. IOP was measured and compared between the high-pillow position (head elevated by 20-35° using two pillows) and the supine position. Additionally, changes in jugular venous lumen in response to postural variation were evaluated via ultrasonography in 20 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Compared with the supine position, the high-pillow position was associated with significantly elevated IOP, increased 24-hour IOP fluctuation and reduced ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) (all p