Yes, eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), generally increases at night, particularly during sleep.
While the production of aqueous fluid (the fluid inside the eye) tends to decrease during sleep, the IOP still rises because the drainage system of the eye becomes less efficient when lying flat. This is due to changes in body position affecting fluid dynamics within the eye.
Here's a breakdown of the factors contributing to the increase in IOP at night:
- Body Position: Lying flat obstructs the drainage pathways of the eye.
- Aqueous Fluid Production: While reduced during sleep, it's not enough to offset the decreased drainage.
- Overall Increase: Studies indicate an average increase of 10-20% in IOP during nighttime sleep.
This increase in eye pressure can be particularly important for individuals with glaucoma, as elevated IOP is a major risk factor for the progression of the disease. It's crucial for glaucoma patients to discuss sleep positions and IOP management with their ophthalmologist.
