Making physical exercise compatible with glaucoma

This decrease is more pronounced in the first weeks, to gradually attenuate with the daily practice of aerobic sports. However, this is not a fixed rule, with some studies showing some variability in the decrease in IOP (increases have even been described), depending on sex, physical condition of the patient, previous sedentary lifestyle, and hormonal status.

There is a type of glaucoma called Pigmentary in which physical exercise would be contraindicated. Activities such as yoga (in certain postures) that increase venous pressure, and sports such as weightlifting (Valsalva), They would also be contraindicated in people with glaucoma. In the case of scuba diving, the advice is to always practice with a mask and tank, to equalize pressures, but if it can be avoided, the better.

Under no circumstances should freediving be practiced. Sports practiced at high altitudes (>4000masl) -mountaineering, parachuting-, in principle they can cause an increase in IOP due to decrease in atmospheric pressureHowever, the stay in these situations is not usually very long, given the extreme nature of these sports. Finally, we advise against prolonged swimming with protective goggles in patients with advanced glaucomas, as these increase IOP between 2-3 mmHg during its carrying.

Conclusions

Moderate physical exercise, mainly isotonic, as long as it is supervised by an ophthalmologist, is a good complement to medical treatment. antiglaucomatous (especially in the case of B-blockers, since their hypotensive effect is enhanced).

Dr. Antonio Alzamora Rodríguez