Short Term Effect of Exercise on Intraocular Pressure of Ocular Hypertensive Subjects

Aim: Numerous international studies have indicated that several physiological changes can influence the intraocular pressure (IOP) of subjects. In order to assess visual health status through physiological changes, the effects of rest and exercise on IOP were investigated in ocular hypertensive subjects and their normotensive control group.Materials and Method: 24 subjects with ocular hypertension and 24 normotensive subjects who were randomly selected from visual screening conducted in the University of Benin community were co-opted into this study. Their baseline IOP was measured with a CT-20-non-contact tonometer, at 0 minute and at 10 minutes interval for 60 minutes while in a resting state; thereafterthey were subjected to a dynamic exercise for 10 minutes.At the end of the exercise IOPwas immediately taken, then atevery 10 minutes after the exercise for 60 minutes for the two groups.Results: There was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001) in the mean IOP of the two groups immediatelyafter the exercise. The peak of fall in IOP was after 10minutes of exercise, the decrease was relatively sustained for a period of 40 minutes. After 50 minutes mean IOP readings returned to baseline valuesand at60 minutes it stabilized. Recovery time to initial IOP was 50 minutes.Conclusion: The significant decrease in IOP after exercise could not be sustained for a long time; therefore physical exercise alone is not therapeutic in the management of glaucoma. Topical anti-glaucoma medications are therefore advised as the ultimate resort for the management of glaucoma.Keywords: Intraocular pressure; short term exercise; ocular hypertension