Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Our team at Queensland Eye and Retina Specialists provides exceptional, holistic healthcare to reach an optimal outcome for your specific condition.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide and often has no noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. It is typically diagnosed through regular eye exams, and is marked by a build-up of pressure inside the eye.
Treatment options include eye drops, medication, laser therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity and type of glaucoma. Recent research has also indicated that exercise can facilitate reduced glaucoma development risks, and better outcomes for diagnosed conditions.
According to an American nationwide study, physically active individuals are less prone to glaucoma development, with a risk reduced by 73 per cent.
Beneficial Exercises for Glaucoma Patients
Many forms of exercise lower the intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma, and bring many benefits to patients, including reduced visual field loss[1]. This is particularly true of aerobic exercises, such as:
- Walking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Treadmilling
As well as decreasing pressure in the eye, these exercises promote heart and brain health, benefiting one’s overall well-being while undergoing eye treatment.
Our specialists recommend that glaucoma patients engage in aerobic exercise for 45 minutes per day, three or four days per week.
Yoga and Glaucoma
Another form of exercise that reduces eye pressure and the speed at which glaucoma conditions progress is yoga. Recommended yoga poses for eye health include:
- Alternate nostril breathing
- Boat pose
- Diamond pose
- Happy pose
However, some yoga poses do not reap the desired benefits; some increase intraocular pressure and must be avoided. This is primarily the case for yoga poses which require the head to be moved below heart height. Examples of yoga positions that increase pressure and should not be engaged with include:
- Handstands
- Headstands
- Forearm stands
- Shoulder stands
Pressure-Increasing Exercises to Avoid
Additional types of exercise may increase intraocular pressure, which can be harmful to people with glaucoma. Further eye damage can result from exercises that require straining, compromised breathing and downward pushing.
Weightlifting has specifically been found to increase pressure in the eye due to strained breathing and breath-holding during reps. As a result, for slower glaucoma condition progression, patients should refrain from weightlifting activities and strength training.
Other strenuous exercises where a closed windpipe is subjected to forced air pressure should be avoided.
Supporting You at QERS
Patients with glaucoma should speak to their specialist before starting any exercise program to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for their individual condition. Generally, low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga are recommended, while high-impact activities, such as weightlifting, should be avoided or modified.
Our specialists are passionate about holistic eye care and can answer any questions about exercise and its benefits for your condition. Dr Shyalle Kahawita has a special interest and extensive experience in glaucoma treatment, and you can request a referral at your local GP.
For more information about glaucoma, its symptoms and treatment options, click here.