Besides taking their eye drops to lower eye pressure, people with glaucoma often feel powerless at managing their disease. Fortunately, there is abundant evidence showing that tweaks to diet and physical activity can improve your overall health, and better overall health can prevent and delay disease progression. Learn more about what you can do to help manage your glaucoma and overall health.*

Diet and body mass index (1:16)

Body mass index (BMI) estimates your body fat percentage, as well as your risk for obesity-related diseases. Some studies have linked high BMI to increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP), but the nature of the connection is unclear, says Jeffrey SooHoo, M.D., Chief of Ophthalmology at Denver Health Medical Center. Theories include:

• Increased oxidation from excess weight may result in damage to the eye’s fluid drainage system, and 
• Fat deposits could block fluid outflow. 

While neither theory has yet been proven, maintaining a healthy weight and fat:lean muscle ratio is good for overall health. Keep in mind that BMI does not take muscle mass and weight into consideration.

Aerobic exercise (2:10)

Aerobic exercise improves blood flow throughout the body. Some experts think that insufficient oxygen and nutrients to the optic nerve contribute to glaucoma. SooHoo says anything that promotes good circulation is likely to be beneficial for glaucoma. According to studies:

• Being more physically active can slow glaucoma-related visual field loss.
• 30-45 minutes of brisk aerobic activity several times per week can enhance circulation to the eye and brain, and lower IOP in glaucoma patients.
• Inactive people with glaucoma who increase activity may see greater reduction in IOP than currently active patients who increase activity.

“Things that are good for your overall health are likely to be good for glaucoma,” states SooHoo.

Strength training (3:14)

Physical straining temporarily increases IOP, which is why patients are instructed not to hold their breath when measuring eye pressure.

The risk of glaucoma progression from weight training is uncertain. SooHoo allows his patients with mild glaucoma to engage in strength training, but advises patients with severe disease and loss of central vision (or approaching it) to avoid lifting heavy weights.

Yoga (4:04)

Certain yoga poses increase IOP, and are not recommended. Examples include headstands, which “at least double IOP,” and the pose called ‘downward dog.’

Gravity during inversion–when your head is closer to the ground than your heart–is the main concern. While risk may be dependent upon glaucoma severity, SooHoo advises not placing your head below your heart for any length of time. People with severe glaucoma (i.e., loss of central vision or approaching it) should avoid inversion entirely.

Alcohol (4:54)

Consuming alcohol appears to lower IOP. Some experts think that it increases blood flow to the optic nerve. Most research shows no significant relationship between alcohol and glaucoma.

As with marijuana, the effect of alcohol on IOP is temporary. Based on research, light-moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial, if it is otherwise medically safe.

Coffee and tea (5:30)

Caffeine can produce a temporary increase in IOP, but no link between caffeine and primary open-angle glaucoma has been found. Caffeine has, however, been shown to increase risk of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

Fruits and vegetables (5:50)

SooHoo says that the effects of fruits and vegetables are difficult to track due to their wide variety of nutrients, the inaccuracies of people’s self-reported intake, and other limiting factors.

That said, some research shows women may have reduced glaucoma risk from eating fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A and C, as well as carotenes.

Black currant (7:01)

Available as a dietary supplement, the small berry called black currant has antioxidant properties. It has been observed to:

• Lower blood endothelin levels,
• Increase blood flow to the retina,  
• Lower IOP, and
• Decrease visual field loss.

Vitamins supplements (7:27)

There is no evidence supporting the use of vitamins for preventing or reducing age-related macular degeneration, though, as with fruits and vegetables, some believe that antioxidant supplements may be beneficial for glaucoma.

While there’s no magic formula, speak with your doctor about these and other potentially beneficial lifestyle changes that you can include in your daily schedule.

*Glaucoma Research Foundation. (2019, May 6). Ask the Expert: Effects of Diet and Exercise on Glaucoma [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noyt9qkIOfI