Table of Contents
- Highlights
- Introduction
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Lifestyle Changes
- Resources
- References
- References
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise
Studies suggest that patients with open-angle glaucoma who exercise regularly (at least 3 times a week) may be able to reduce their intraocular pressure by an average of 20%. If they stop exercising for more than 2 weeks, pressure increases again. (Although not confirmed by any evidence, yoga or other exercises that involve head-down or inverted positions may be harmful for patients with glaucoma and should be discussed with the doctor.)
Exercise has no effect on closed-angle glaucoma. It may, in fact, increase eye pressure in patients with pigmentary glaucoma. Vigorous high-impact exercise may cause more pigment to be released from the iris in these patients. Patients should talk to their doctor about an appropriate exercise program.
Diet
Antioxidants in Foods and Supplements. Diet most likely plays very little role in glaucoma. There has been no definitive evidence for an association between important nutrients associated with protection against other eye disorders, including vitamins C, E, A, and carotenoids.
Caffeine. Some studies have shown that large amounts of caffeine drunk in a short period of time can elevate eye pressure for up to 3 hours.
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Review Date: 06/23/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
