Circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure.

Although it is well known that intraocular pressure (IOP) in humans varies throughout day and night, no consistent circadian pattern has been established. In laboratory rabbits, however, a consistent circadian rhythm of IOP has been confirmed and further characterized in recent years. The current knowledge about the nocturnal IOP elevation in rabbits is reviewed and the implications for the study of human circadian IOP pattern is discussed.