The intraocular pressure response to dehydration: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to determine the intraocular pressure response to differing levels of dehydration. Seven males participated in 90 min of treadmill walking (5 km h(-1) and 1% grade) in both temperate (22 °C) and hot (43 °C) conditions. At baseline and 30 min intervals intraocular pressure, nude body mass, body temperature and heart rate were recorded. Statistically significant interactions (p < 0.05) were observed for intraocular pressure (hot condition: baseline 17.0 ± 2.9, 30 min 15.6 ± 3.5, 60 min 14.5 ± 3.7 and 90 min 13.6 ± 2.9 mmHg; temperate condition: baseline 16.8 ± 2.7, 30 min 16.5 ± 2.6, 60 min 15.8 ± 2.5 and 90 min 15.7 ± 1.8 mmHg) and body mass loss (hot condition: 30 min -1.07 ± 0.35, 60 min -2.17 ± 0.55 and 90 min -3.13 ± 0.74%; temperate condition: 30 min -0.15 ± 0.11, 60 min -0.47 ± 0.18 and 90 min -0.78 ± 0.25%). Significant linear regressions (p < 0.05) were observed for intraocular pressure and body mass loss (adjusted r(2) = 0.24) and intraocular pressure change and body mass loss (adjusted r(2) = 0.51). In conclusion, intraocular pressure was progressively reduced during a period of exercise causing dehydration, but remained relatively stable when hydration was maintained. The present study revealed a moderate relationship between dehydration (body mass loss) and intraocular pressure change.