The effects of mild, moderate, and severe exercise on intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients

Previous studies have shown a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) from many means of exertion, ranging from walking to exhausting exercise in both normal and glaucoma subjects. The variability in their results may be due to several variables that can affect IOP significantly.

To investigate the effects of common means of exertion on IOP in normal and glaucoma subjects, after elimination of factors that can affect IOP.

The effects of walking, jogging, and running fast until exhaustion on IOP were noted in seven normal and seven open-angle glaucoma subjects. Intraocular pressures were measured with the Goldmann applanation tonometer during and after exercise.

The mean differences between before and after walking, jogging, and running exercises were -2.43 +/- 0.30, -3.85 +/- 0.55, and -4.0 +/- 0.37 mmHg in normal subjects. In glaucoma patients these differences were -7.72 +/- 1.25, -10.86 +/- 2.12, and -12.86 +/- 2.05 mmHg, respectively. After 5 min of walking and jogging, in all subjects, IOP decreased significantly (by 56 to 61% of total decreases).

Regardless of the means of exertion, in every subject tested there was a drop in intraocular pressure. Glaucoma patients had a greater drop and longer duration of post-exercise recovery as compared to normal subjects. It would seem reasonable, at present, not to discourage patients who have glaucoma from light exercises such as walking; perhaps, on the contrary, it should be encouraged.