Diurnal Variations in Intraocular Pressure, Central Corneal Thickness, and Macular and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Diabetics and Normal Individuals

PURPOSE: To evaluate diurnal variations in intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), and macular and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in diabetic patients and normal individuals. METHODS: This study included 11 diabetic patients with macular edema and 11 healthy individuals. IOP, CCT, and macular and RNFL thickness were measured every 3 hours on a single day between 9 AM and 6 PM. Diurnal variations in IOP, CCT, total macular volume (TMV), central macular thickness (CMT), average macular thickness (AMT), and RNFL thickness were measured. RESULTS: None of the parameters showed a significant absolute or relative change over the course of the day. However, the following non-significant changes were observed. In the control group, all parameters demonstrated the highest values at 9 AM. The lowest IOP, TMV and AMT occurred at 12 PM; lowest CCT and RNFL at 6 PM; and the lowest CMT at 3 PM. Diabetic subjects had the highest values of RNFL, CMT and TMV at 9 AM, and that for IOP, CCT and AMT at 6 PM. The lowest RNFL and CMT values occurred at 6 PM; lowest IOP at 12 PM; and the lowest CCT, TMV and AMT were observed at 3 PM. In the diabetic group, TMV, CMT, AMT and CCT were significantly higher and RNFL was significantly lower than the control group at all time points (all P- values < 0.05). CONCLUSION: While there were slight decreases in IOP, RNFL thickness and CMT during the day, these changes were not significant between 9 AM and 6 PM and probably do not affect the interpretation of measurements.