From the Research
Individuals with glaucoma should exercise caution when participating in high-intensity camps, as certain activities may temporarily increase intraocular pressure, potentially worsening the condition. According to the most recent study 1, exercise of varying intensity and type has differing effects on intraocular pressure, with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise resulting in transient reductions in IOP, while high-intensity resistance exercise and weight-lifting lead to transient elevations in IOP.
Key Considerations
- Patients with advanced glaucoma, uncontrolled intraocular pressure, or recent eye surgery should generally avoid high-intensity training 1.
- Medication considerations are important, as beta-blocker eye drops (like timolol) may affect heart rate response during exercise 2.
- Glaucoma patients should maintain their regular medication schedule during camps, protect eyes from trauma with appropriate eyewear, stay well-hydrated, and avoid exercising in very hot environments.
Precautions and Recommendations
- High-intensity exercise that involves positions where the head is below the heart (like certain yoga poses or weightlifting) can temporarily increase intraocular pressure, which may be problematic for glaucoma patients 3, 4.
- Activities with significant jarring or impact movements should also be approached with caution.
- Resistance training using blood flow restriction may be a suitable alternative for glaucoma patients or those at risk of glaucoma 4.
- Further longitudinal studies are required to validate the potential benefits of exercise in the management of glaucoma 1.