Evaluation and treatment of glaucoma 24hours a day. Where are we and where are we going?

Abstract

Current management of glaucoma generally involves medical, laser, or surgical treatment in order to achieve an intraocular pressure (IOP) control which is commensurate with either stability or delayed progression of the disease. Although the follow-up of glaucoma patients is usually carried out with sporadic and isolated intraocular pressure measurements, the literature already indicates that this might not the best option to manage glaucoma patients. This article reviews the importance of 24hours intraocular pressure monitoring based on studies and publications that exist in this regard to date. A critical review on the methodology of these publications has been conducted. The need is stressed for further studies on the intraocular pressure patterns in different types of glaucoma, as well as the pattern with different therapies used in glaucoma aimed at optimising the management of the disease.

Keywords: 24-h intraocular pressure control; Características circadianas de la presión intraocular; Circadian intraocular pressure characteristics; Control presión intraocular 24 horas; Intraocular pressure monitoring; Monitorización de la presión intraocular.