Physical Activity and Intraocular Pressure: A Cross-Sectional Study From the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer (EPIC)-Eyes Study

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

To examine the relationship between physical activity and intraocular pressure(IOP)

 

Methods:

 

We examined the relationship between physical activity and IOP measured in 2613 men and women aged 48-89 in 2006-2009 participating in the EPIC-Norfolk study. Usual combined physical activity at work and leisure was assessed using a validated instrument. Individuals were categorised as inactive, moderately inactive, moderately active or active. Three IOP measurements were obtained using the Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer. Mean Goldmann correlated IOP from one eye was used in the analysis. Blood pressure was recorded as the mean of two measurements taken with a sphygmomanometer. Body mass index(BMI) was calculated as weight(kg)/height²(m²). Hip and waist circumferences were measured with participants in light clothing. Associations between IOP and physical activity were tested using linear regression with indicator variables for different levels of physical activity.Results : In univariate analysis, the highest level of physical activity was associated with lower IOP, lower BMI, lower systolic blood pressure(SBP) and smaller waist hip ratio(WHR). Lower IOP was also associated with lower BMI and lower SBP. The most active participants had an average 0.5mmHg lower IOP compared to the most inactive participants. Adjusting for BMI, SBP and WHR attenuated the difference in mean IOP between active and inactive participants(Table 1).Conclusions : People with an active lifestyle have a lower IOP. This association may be partly mediated by BMI, SBP and WHR. Physical activity and weight control may offer a safe, simple method of reducing IOP. The role of lifestyle modification in the prevention and control of glaucoma should be investigated further.  

 

Keywords: intraocular pressure • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment