23/10/2024
People with glaucoma need to take extra care to avoid activities, movements, and exercises that may raise eye pressure or worsen the condition.
Here are some recommendations to help reduce stress on the eyes and protect the optic nerve:
Avoid Intense Exercise
High-intensity aerobic activities (such as sprinting, weightlifting, etc.) may cause a temporary rise in eye pressure, especially with strenuous head movements. Prolonged engagement in such activities may be detrimental to glaucoma patients.
Avoid Positions Where the Head is Lower Than the Body
Actions like bending over, inverted positions in yoga (headstands, shoulder stands) can rapidly increase eye pressure, which is harmful to glaucoma patients.
Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects
Lifting or carrying heavy items can raise intra-abdominal and chest pressure, leading to increased intraocular pressure. Avoid overly strenuous movements.
Avoid High-Temperature Environments
Saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths can cause changes in blood pressure and possibly affect eye pressure. Glaucoma patients should avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Avoid Overusing Your Eyes
Extended close-up work (such as using computers, mobile phones, reading) can cause eye strain and increase intraocular pressure. Regular breaks, maintaining proper posture, and appropriate lighting are recommended.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and excessive drinking can affect blood circulation and eye health, so these unhealthy habits should be avoided.
Avoid Eye Injuries
Protecting the eyes from injury is critical, especially when engaging in risky activities (such as playing sports or manual labor). Wearing protective eyewear can significantly reduce the risk of eye damage.
Avoid Certain Medications
Some medications (such as steroids) may raise eye pressure. Glaucoma patients should consult their doctor before using any medication to avoid worsening the condition.
Recommended Exercises
For glaucoma patients, the following activities are generally safe, but it’s always best to consult a doctor before starting any new exercise:
Walking: A low-intensity aerobic exercise that promotes circulation without increasing eye pressure.
Swimming: Typically a safe exercise that doesn’t raise eye pressure.
Yoga (excluding inverted poses): Gentle yoga can be beneficial, but inverted poses should be avoided.
Cycling: Low-intensity cycling is unlikely to significantly impact intraocular pressure.
Overall, glaucoma patients should avoid activities that cause significant fluctuations in eye pressure, choose gentle and safe exercises, and regularly check their eye health. If there is any discomfort or concern, be sure to consult an ophthalmologist for guidance.