Elevated internal eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure (IOP), is a leading risk factor for glaucoma, often progressing silently until significant damage has occurred. While glaucoma treatments focus on lowering IOP to preserve vision, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise can also be beneficial. People with glaucoma must be mindful of the type of exercise they engage in, however, to avoid worsening their condition. Here are some types of physical activities that are generally safe and beneficial for glaucoma patients as long as they take proper precautions.*

Understanding Glaucoma and Its Impact

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, affecting more than 80 million people worldwide and over 3 million in the United States alone. The disease damages the optic nerve, typically due to elevated IOP, though some optic nerves are more vulnerable to damage than others. The most common form of glaucoma in Western countries is primary open-angle glaucoma, a condition that often progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. 

Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent significant vision loss. Glaucoma management typically involves medications, laser therapies, and surgical procedures aimed at reducing IOP and slowing disease progression. With these interventions, many patients can maintain their vision and quality of life, but lifestyle choices—especially in terms of exercise—can also play a crucial role in supporting eye health.

Aerobic Exercise: A Powerful Ally 

Aerobic exercise offers significant benefits for glaucoma patients, as it can help reduce IOP and improve overall cardiovascular health. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduced the rate of visual field loss by around 10%. 

Some activities not only lower IOP but also enhance blood circulation, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to the optic nerve and retina. These include:

• Walking,  
• Jogging, and 
• swimming .

Improved blood flow can help protect these sensitive eye structures from the damage associated with elevated IOP. When swimming, however, be mindful of avoiding tight-fitting goggles that can increase eye pressure.

Consult an eye care professional to ensure that your chosen activities are appropriate for your condition.

Yoga: Balancing Benefits and Risks

Yoga, a popular form of exercise that combines physical postures and mindfulness, can offer both benefits and risks to people with glaucoma. While certain yoga practices may help reduce stress and promote overall well-being, some poses, especially those involving inversions, can elevate IOP and potentially worsen the condition. 

Inversion poses that glaucoma patients should avoid include:

• Downward-facing dog, 
• Headstands, and 
• Plow pose. 

These positions can temporarily increase IOP and strain the optic nerve, which could lead to further vision loss. If you wish to practice yoga, the safest approach is to do it under the guidance of an instructor who understands your condition, ensuring that any potentially harmful poses are modified or excluded.

Strength Training and Sports: Precautions

Strength training presents unique challenges for people with glaucoma. While lifting light to moderate weights can be a healthy part of a fitness regimen, heavy lifting or exercises that involve holding one’s breath (the Valsalva maneuver) can lead to dangerous spikes in IOP. 

Since research into the relationship between strength training and glaucoma is limited, experts recommend that patients proceed with caution. Exercises that strain the body, particularly those involving intense exertion or inverted positions, should be avoided.

When it comes to sports, experts urge glaucoma patients to prioritize activities that minimize the risk of eye injury and avoid high-impact sports like boxing and basketball. Non-contact sports that promote cardiovascular fitness without causing IOP spikes are generally ideal for those living with glaucoma.

*Glaucoma Research Foundation. (2024, April 1). Sports, Exercise, and Glaucoma: Safe Practices and Recommendations. Retrieved from https://glaucoma.org/articles/sports-exercise-and-glaucoma-safe-practices-and-recommendations 

Responsum Health closely vets all sources to ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, or procedure discussed within.