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Editors Selection IGR 12-1

Miscellaneous: Are intensive workouts good for you?

Comment by Pradeep Ramulu on:

71480 The relation between exercise and glaucoma in a South Korean population-based sample, Wang SY; Pasquale LR et al., PLoS ONE, 2017; 12: e0171441

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In this study, Lin and colleagues evaluated the association of self-reported physical activity and glaucoma, defined through optic nerve photos and a single FDT test, in a population- based study of Korean adults. The authors found that men with glaucoma were more likely to report high levels of physical activity as compared to men without glaucoma, while no similar relationship was present in women. Amongst men, but not women, the authors also found that the 3.3% of men reporting vigorous exercise seven days a week more likely to have glaucoma than a comparison group of men performing vigorous exercise three times a week. The findings complicate an already-muddy landscape regarding the impact of physical activity on glaucoma.

The findings complicate an already-muddy landscape regarding the impact of physical activity on glaucoma

In mice, an emerging body of evidence suggests that activity can protect against the harmful effects of raised IOP. In humans, most studies on the topic, including the current study, have evaluated the relationship between activity and glaucoma cross-sectionally, leaving it unclear if activity patterns preceded or followed the onset of glaucoma. Also, while self-reported activity can serve as a marker of real-world activity, it can differ substantially from physical activity measured by objective measures, which has been demonstrated to be restricted in persons with visual field damage. Clearly, future longitudinal studies employing detailed visual testing and cutting-edge activity monitoring are required to better delineate the relationship between physical activity and glaucoma. Given the current level of evidence, one would be wise to suggest that their glaucoma patients continue to lead an active lifestyle. While the effect of this activity on their glaucoma is unclear, a vast literature has documented broad positive effects of an activity lifestyle that should not be discounted easily.

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