The October issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science details the results of a study which indicates that being physically active helps to protect eyes from glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when fluid pressure inside the eye rises and damages the optic nerve and is a leading cause of blindness.
Researchers documented the relationship between physical activity and eye pressure in 5,650 men and women between the ages of 48 and 90 in Great Britain. The participants were evaluated from 1993 and 1997 and then again between 2006 and 2010. Participants provided researchers details about their work and leisure time physical activity and based upon these details the participants were categorized as inactive, moderately inactive, moderately active or active. In addition, their eye pressure was monitored throughout the years they were involved in the study.
Results showed that moderate physical activity was linked with a 25 percent reduced risk of low ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) which is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. While researchers are uncertain as to the cause of the link between OPP and cardiovascular fitness, they  believe the study shows that maintaining an active lifestyle helps to reduce glaucoma risk.*
Elise Ervin
Staff Writer