The effect of lifestyle on the relative risk to develop open-angle glaucoma

Patients may inquire how lifestyle or emotions may influence their intraocular pressure or risk for developing chronic open-angle glaucoma. Currently, little modification of lifestyle (including diet, drugs, emotion, activity, or risk factors for cardiovascular disease or diabetes) can be advised to reduce the risk of developing chronic open-angle glaucoma. In appropriate patients, however, suggesting limiting total-body inversion or isotonic exercise may help prevent a transient intraocular pressure increase. In patients who are in good general health, and are motivated, an aerobic exercise program might provide a small decrease in the intraocular pressure. Also, limiting cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption several hours before an ocular examination may help prevent a falsely altered intraocular pressure measurement. In the future, modifiable risk factors for chronic open-angle glaucoma may become known. This may give the patient more control over the disease by altering their lifestyle.