Intracranial pressure and glaucoma.
OBJECTIVE
Glaucoma remains a disease with an unclear basic pathophysiology. The optic nerve travels through two pressurized regions: the intraocular space and the intracranial space. Some authors have suggested that the relationship between intraocular pressure and intracranial pressure may play a fundamental role in the development of glaucoma.


RESULTS
Recent studies have shown that intracranial pressure is lower in patients with glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma. Conversely, intracranial pressure appears to be elevated in patients with ocular hypertension. Early mathematical modeling studies have suggested that the counterbalance provided by intracranial pressure would be an important factor in the development of glaucoma.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between intraocular pressure and intracranial pressure may play an important role in the development of glaucoma.
Berdahl
John P
JP
Vance Thompson Vision, 1310 W 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. johnberdahl@gmail.com
Allingham
R Rand
RR
D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007427:Intracranial Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology