Precisional modulation of translaminar pressure gradients for ophthalmic diseases.

Abstract

The translaminar pressure gradient (TLPG) refers to two forces at the lamina cribosa of the optic nerve: the anteriorly acting intracranial pressure (ICP), and posteriorly-acting intraocular pressure (IOP). It has been proposed that controlling the translaminar pressure gradient at regular intervals may preserve the optic nerve and slow the course of glaucoma. The precisional modulation of this TLPG is a recently introduced concept that may play a role in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma. In this manuscript, we review the applications of pressurized goggles on ophthalmic diseases. We also elaborate upon current investigations in modulation of the TLPG including goggles and the multi-pressure dial goggle. We discuss future research directions for ophthalmic diseases including spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), a large physiological barrier to future long-duration spaceflight.