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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
09:03
Trabecular Meshwork Response to Pressure Elevation in the Living Human Eye
Published on: June 20, 2015
Intraocular pressure increases in parallel with systemic blood pressure during isometric exercise
Espen F Bakke1, Jonny Hisdal, Svein O Semb
1Center for Eye Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|October 7, 2008
Summary
Isometric exercise significantly increases intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy individuals. This rise in IOP occurs in parallel with increased systemic blood pressure during sustained physical exertion.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Normal-tension glaucoma is linked to temporary spikes in intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Isometric exercise is known to cause a pressor response, elevating blood pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effect of transient systemic blood pressure changes, induced by isometric exercise, on intraocular pressure.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy volunteers underwent continuous monitoring of systemic blood pressure, heart rate, and IOP.
- Measurements were taken before, during, and after a 2-minute isometric exercise task (40% maximum voluntary contraction).
Main Results:
- Heart rate increased significantly from 74±6 to 93±6 bpm (P<0.005).
- Systolic and diastolic blood pressure rose from 125±6/65±3 to 169±8/96±5 mm Hg (P<0.005).
- Intraocular pressure increased from 15±1 mm Hg at rest to 19±2 mm Hg post-exercise (P<0.005).
Conclusions:
- Intraocular pressure demonstrated a continuous increase during isometric exercise.
- The rise in IOP paralleled the elevation in systemic blood pressure throughout the exercise period.
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