Exercise can Reduce Intraocular Pressure in Mature patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma by a Clinically Significant Amount

Background:Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in African Americans.  Treatment options include therapeutic drops and surgical interventions.  Very few studies have investigated exercise in mature age groups with primary open angle glaucoma.  Most people have heard that exercise is good for them. 

Objectives:This study set out to determine if walking for twenty minutes has any clinically significant effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) on older patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. 

Method:  Thirty patients, aged 40 to 60 years of age had their IOP measured using Goldmann Applanation tonometry at baseline between 9:00am and 9:30am using a quasi-experimental cross-section design.  After completing a 1288 meter outdoor walk in 20 minutes at a moderate pace, IOP was measured at thirty minute and sixty minute post rest periods.                     

Results: Patients participating in the study had been diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma for a minimum of 5 years.  IOP decreased from 18.0+/- 2.0mmHg at baseline to 16.0+/-3.0mmHg after the exercise.  Determination of walking for twenty minutes using specific indicators was assessed using a one tailed t-test.  Results identified a significant, positive decline in IOP after moderate exercise (p<.05).

Conclusion: Exercise has a positive impact on lowing intraocular pressure.  As clinicians we need to be more aware of the effects of  IOP on patients who have daily exercise routines.  We can also use this information for encouragement of health promotion.