Overview
- In a 24-hour trial of 144 people with glaucoma, 67% had higher intraocular pressure when their heads were elevated 20–35 degrees on two pillows compared with lying flat.
- Right-eye pressure was recorded every two hours in sitting and lying positions, with measurements taken 10 minutes after head elevation and repeated across four full cycles.
- Ultrasound scans in 20 healthy volunteers showed significant constriction of the jugular vein lumen in the high‑pillow position, supporting the proposed drainage mechanism.
- Elevated positioning was linked to greater pressure fluctuation over 24 hours and lower ocular perfusion pressure, with averages shifting from 16.62 to 17.42 mm Hg for IOP and from 58.71 to 54.57 mm Hg for OPP.
- Authors advise glaucoma patients to avoid sleep postures that compress the jugular vein as a simple adjunct to care, while noting the observational, short‑term design requires further study to confirm clinical benefits.