Glaucoma affects over 2.7 million people living in the Untied States. Which plays a leading role in irreversible blindness. Its devastating effects are known for damaging the optic nerve from a growing build up of fluid pressure in the eye.
Visiting your eye doctor is important for early detection
While there is no cure, there are treatments for slowing the progression of the disorder by reducing ocular pressure, but early detection is important.
Exercise has been found to slow the development of glaucoma, according to a study at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
“The significance of our findings is that different levels of exercise may be associated with different levels of glaucoma risk,” says Victoria L. Tseng, M.D., Ph.D., on the team of researchers. “Our hypothesis is that the protective association is related to direct changes in intraocular pressure as well as changes in bloodflow to the optic nerve during exercise.”
The study used moderate to vigorous activity based on the American Heart Association recommendations. Thirty minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise a day, at least five days a week. Which is viewed as equivalent to seven thousand steps a days, seven days a week.
“The conclusions are based on ‘big data,'” Dr. Semes says. “The researchers correlate the number of steps per day as measured using a pedometer to stratify exercise as minimal, moderate and vigorous. In the end, the greater degree of exercise was inversely proportional to the risk for developing glaucoma.”
“The information is preliminary-exercise should not be seen as a ‘cure,’ but more as a supplementary means of lowering IOP, just as so many supplements for a variety of disorders are complementary,” Dr. Semes says.
Glaucoma is known as “silent thief of sight” because it doesn’t have any symptoms. This merciless eye disease leaves everyone at risk, from the young children to senior adults. Increasing awareness and taking action by getting a comprehensive eye exam is the first step to reducing its severity.
For more information or to make an appointment for an eye exam, contact Lake Nona Eye Care.