From the Guidelines
Children with glaucoma should avoid activities with high risk of eye trauma, but most sports and physical activities are safe, including swimming, running, and biking, as long as appropriate protective eyewear is worn, as recommended by 1. The key is to minimize the risk of direct eye injury that could worsen their condition. High-impact activities that significantly increase eye pressure, such as weightlifting with heavy loads or activities requiring prolonged head-down positions, should also be limited. Contact sports like boxing, martial arts, and full-contact football should be avoided due to the high risk of eye trauma. Children should always wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports, particularly polycarbonate sports goggles that meet ASTM standards for impact resistance, as suggested by 1. Some important considerations for children with glaucoma include:
- Maintaining regular use of prescribed glaucoma medications before and after exercise to control intraocular pressure
- Consulting with their child's ophthalmologist for personalized recommendations, as limitations may vary based on the type and severity of glaucoma, surgical history, and the child's overall eye health
- Regular eye examinations to monitor the condition regardless of activity level, as emphasized by 1 and 1. It's also essential for parents to promote a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, as recommended by 1 and 1, to support their child's overall health and well-being. By taking these precautions and following personalized recommendations, children with glaucoma can participate in physical activities while minimizing the risk of complications, as supported by the expert panel on integrated guidelines for cardiovascular health and risk reduction in children and adolescents 1.
From the Research
Physical Activity Limitations for Children with Glaucoma
The following points highlight the limitations and considerations for physical activity in children with glaucoma:
- Aerobic sports are generally beneficial for patients with glaucoma, as they can help reduce intraocular pressure 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Activities that involve Valsalva maneuvers, such as certain yoga poses or playing wind instruments, may increase intraocular pressure and should be avoided or approached with caution 2.
- Sudden changes in height should also be avoided, as they may affect intraocular pressure 2.
- Intense heat does not seem to affect glaucoma progression, but intense cold may have an impact on patients with vascular dysregulation 2.
- Near vision activities may slightly reduce intraocular pressure, but this effect is not fully understood 2.
- High-intensity resistance exercise and weight-lifting may lead to transient elevations in intraocular pressure and should be approached with caution 4.
- Exercise-induced visual loss has been reported in young adults with advanced glaucoma, and patients should be advised to limit activities that induce symptoms 6.
Specific Considerations for Children
While the studies do not specifically focus on children, the general principles can be applied to pediatric patients with glaucoma. It is essential to consider the individual child's condition, overall health, and specific needs when determining appropriate physical activities. Children with glaucoma should be encouraged to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as walking or jogging, which can help reduce intraocular pressure 3, 4, 5. However, they should avoid activities that may exacerbate their condition, such as those involving Valsalva maneuvers or sudden changes in height 2. Regular monitoring and guidance from a healthcare professional are crucial to ensure the child's safety and optimal management of their glaucoma.