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The Role of Exercise in Glaucoma Management
Exercise and glaucoma may be connected through the effect physical activity can have on intraocular pressure (IOP). For many, glaucoma and exercise are topics that raise important questions, as research has shown that regular exercise may help lower eye pressure in some glaucoma patients, although the benefits can vary depending on the type of glaucoma and the individual patient.
Other risk factors, such as family history, race, advancing age, diabetes, nearsightedness, and high blood pressure, can be more difficult to control. Some, such as family history, cannot be changed. However, we can influence some risk factors. There is some recent evidence suggesting that regular exercise can reduce eye pressure. As an added benefit, regular exercise can have a positive impact on other glaucoma risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which further illustrates the important link between exercise and glaucoma.
Prevention is a Key Word in Glaucoma Management
Recent evidence indicates that regular exercise can reduce eye pressure. When considering glaucoma, exercise plays a potential role, as researchers have long known that a single exercise session temporarily lowers eye pressure, and new studies show that regular exercise reduces eye pressure for longer periods.
These studies involved patients with high eye pressure who also had sedentary lifestyles. After exercising for three months, participants experienced an average 20 percent reduction in eye pressure. Regular exercise maintained this beneficial lowering of eye pressure for several years, but stopping exercise caused the effect to disappear. Notably, these findings further highlight the interplay between exercise and glaucoma management strategies.
These studies involved healthy but sedentary patients who were first tested to determine if it was safe to exercise and to determine proper intensity of exercise. Participants exercised on stationary bikes four times per week for 40 minutes per session. They saw measurable improvements in eye pressure and physical conditioning within three months. Continuing to exercise at least three times per week maintained these benefits. It is evident that exercise and glaucoma outcomes can be closely related. Participants who stopped exercising for more than two weeks lost the eye pressure-lowering effect.
Stationary Cycling
Doctors prescribe routine exercise to prevent and treat high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, emphysema, osteoporosis, and depression. Although regular exercise cannot cure glaucoma, it may help reduce certain glaucoma risk factors, potentially lower the risk of vision loss, and support overall eye health.
Anyone considering starting an exercise program should discuss it with their eye care professional. The doctor may first recommend seeing a family physician or internist to ensure exercise is safe and determine the appropriate intensity. Some forms of glaucoma, such as closed-angle glaucoma, may not benefit from the effects of exercise. People with other forms of glaucoma, such as pigmentary glaucoma, may experience a temporary rise in eye pressure after vigorous exercise. Only your eye doctor can assess the effects of the exercise on your eye pressure. And remember—exercise does not replace medications or doctor visits!
Stationary cycling, as used in the studies mentioned, is easy to do and has a low risk of injury. Other forms of exercise, including less intense activities, may be acceptable but have not been studied as thoroughly. Even walking can briefly lower eye pressure. Try walking instead of driving, or go for a stroll with your family or friends. Remember, exercise programs need to be regular and can require a great deal of effort to maintain. So keep it simple! Glaucoma and exercise routines should be tailored for each person. Staying physically fit should be easy and fun, and it may help reduce the risk of glaucoma. Learn more about healthy habits and other practical considerations for living with glaucoma. For more information about exercise and eye pressure, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeWiki resource on lifestyle habits and glaucoma.
