A group of South Korean and American researchers set out to answer a simple question. Does sleep position ( i.e. lying on the same side of the body as the eye with the greater visual field loss) play a role in glaucoma progression?
The Link Between Sleep Position and Glaucoma Progression
The researchers investigated the relationship between preferred sleeping position and asymmetric visual field loss in 692 glaucoma patients suffering from bilateral normal-tension glaucoma or high-tension glaucoma. Each patient was asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine their preferred sleeping positions. Each patient was also labeled with a better eye and a worse eye.
“During sleep, body position varies between the supine position and the lateral decubitus position, often more on one side than the other. Thus, [intraocular, or within the eye] pressure elevation related to the lateral decubitus position might play a role in glaucoma progression,” explains lead author Kyoung Nam Kim.
Does sleep position ( i.e. lying on the same side of the body as the eye with the greater visual field loss) play a role in glaucoma progression?
The researchers found that 62.1% of the participants had asymmetric visual field loss between their eyes. These findings suggest that the preferred sleep position of glaucoma patients could be a factor in glaucoma progression.
“Our results suggest that the sleep position habitually preferred by glaucoma patients may be associated with greater visual field loss,” explained the researchers.
However, the researchers also acknowledge that further investigation is needed before drawing a final conclusion.
The study, “Relationship between Preferred Sleeping Position and Asymmetric Visual-field Loss in Open-angle Glaucoma Patients,” was published in the December 16, 2013 edition of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.
When caught early, glaucoma treatment successfully preserves vision 95% of the time or more. So, when was your last eye exam?
Glaucoma Treatment in Annapolis, Maryland
The Anne Arundel Eye Center is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, AAEC offers complete ophthalmic exams, as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Over the years, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. He can help you too.
“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated when I see a doctor.” – Dr. Boles
If you have any questions about Glaucoma Treatment or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), please contact Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form.
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