October
2001
 |
Glaucoma: Dr. Robert Ritch About
three million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and millions
more are at risk. Anyone can develop the |
Regular exercise can lower your intraocular pressure, the most significant risk factor for glaucoma and keeping your pressure down can be very therapeutic, according to Dr. Robert Ritch, medical director of the Glaucoma Foundation in New York City.
The disease is usually associated with high fluid pressure in the front compartment of the eye, according to the foundation, and eye pressure is regulated by a balance of production and drainage of fluid. Blockage of fluid out of the eye can lead to elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma, with damage to the optic nerve in the back of the eye, resulting in vision loss and potential blindness.
About three million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, and millions more are at risk, according to Ritch. Anyone can develop the disease, which can strike without symptoms and cause blindness, but risk is greater if you’re 45 or older, have a family history of glaucoma, are black, or are very nearsighted. Ritch said that there are a number of research studies that have considered different aerobic exercises such as bicycling, brisk walking, marathon running, jogging, swimming and gym conditioning, and determined that intense exercise can lower intraocular pressure.
One
study from Portland, OR, stated that “regular aerobic exercise
may represent an effective non-pharmacological intervention for patients
suspected of having glaucoma.”
Ritch cautioned patients and those at risk to avoid exercises or sports
that have them standing on their heads or shoulders, or turning their
bodies upside down.
“Activities like certain yoga positions, scuba diving and bungee
jumping are not advised. They can raise your IOP,” said Ritch.
Any exerciser needs to drink plenty of liquids before, during, and after workouts, but Ritch urges doing it slowly.
“Drinking a quart of water within 15 to 30 minutes can cause a rise in IOP,” said Ritch. “Patients with glaucoma should be especially cautious. Although there is no need to limit your total fluid intake, use common sense as to how fast it goes down.”
The first line of defense against glaucoma is the regular comprehensive eye exam. “Eye exams are a simple, quick and painless way to catch this ‘sneak thief’ of sight,” said Ritch. Early detection and treatment can control glaucoma and prevent blindness.
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