High-Pillow Sleeping May Increase Intraocular Pressure

Researchers link head elevation to greater 24-hour intraocular pressure fluctuation and reduced ocular perfusion pressure in glaucoma.

By
Kathryn Wighton
January 30, 2026
3 min

Conexiant

Objective:

To investigate the effects of high-pillow sleeping posture on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma.

Key Findings:

66.7% of patients experienced increased IOP when transitioning to a high-pillow position.
Mean IOP was higher in the high-pillow position (17.42 ± 4.34 mmHg) compared to supine (16.62 ± 3.81 mmHg).
Lower ocular perfusion pressure (54.57 ± 8.19 mmHg) was observed in the high-pillow position.
Greater 24-hour IOP variability was associated with the high-pillow posture.

Interpretation:

High-pillow sleeping posture is linked to elevated IOP and reduced ocular perfusion pressure in glaucoma patients, indicating potential risks for disease progression.

Limitations:

Variability in head elevation angle was not recorded.
Jugular vein assessments were conducted in healthy volunteers, not glaucoma patients.
Limited subgroup sample sizes and wide dispersion in postural IOP values.