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Lifestyle modifications and environmental risk factors for glaucoma
Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny1,2, Ahmad A Aref3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
|October 24, 2024
Summary
Moderate exercise may slow glaucoma progression, but certain activities like heavy weight-lifting can increase intraocular pressure (IOP). Dietary nitric oxide may lower glaucoma risk, while air pollution is linked to ganglion cell thinning.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Environmental Health
- Lifestyle Medicine
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
- Understanding modifiable risk factors is crucial for glaucoma management and prevention.
- Recent research highlights the impact of lifestyle and environment on glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on lifestyle modifications and environmental factors associated with glaucoma.
- To inform clinical practice and patient guidance on risk reduction strategies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating exercise, diet, smoking, air pollution, and other factors in relation to glaucoma.
- Evaluation of evidence for intraocular pressure (IOP) changes and glaucoma progression.
Main Results:
- Moderate exercise may slow glaucoma progression; however, certain activities (e.g., heavy weight-lifting, specific yoga poses) may increase IOP.
- Dietary nitric oxide is associated with reduced glaucoma risk.
- Higher smoking intensity correlates with faster visual field decline and retinal nerve fiber layer thinning.
- Air pollution is linked to ganglion cell layer thinning and increased glaucoma burden.
- Evidence on vitamin intake and marijuana for glaucoma management is inconclusive or insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle and environmental factors significantly influence glaucoma development and progression.
- Integrating these factors into treatment plans alongside traditional therapies is recommended.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of certain lifestyle choices and environmental exposures.
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