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- This study evaluated the effect on IOP when the head is turned comfortably into a pillow (in a simulated sleep position) and the effect of protective glasses on IOP rise. The authors included 11 patients with POAG and 11 healthy volunteers who were monitored using an electronic epipalpebral pressure sensor attached to the eyelid of the right eye. The mean IOP increased in the simulated sleep position in both groups and decreased when protective glasses were used.
- Sleeping with the face in a pillow may increase the risk of glaucoma since 5 to 8 hours of sleeping on the face may be a significant amount of time with an elevated IOP, which could up the nerve damage over time.
– Raza Shah, MD