Abstract
Purpose :
The effects of prolonged exercise on the human body have been mainly studied using cardiovascular parameters, but there are limited data concerning the eye. The aim of our study was to collect information on the retinal blood flow variations during an intense and prolonged effort, such as marathon running.
Methods :
A monocentric, prospective pilot study was set up. Patients were recruited through an information campaign at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital (Paris, France). A first visit (V1) was planned in the month before the marathon. All participants underwent blood pressure measurement, fundus photography, Spectral domain – Optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and SD-OCT-Angiography. A second visit (V2) was scheduled within an hour of crossing the finish line. The same tests were repeated, using the same equipment.
Results :
Of the 31 marathon runners who were included at the pre-race visit, 29 finished the marathon and attended the post-race visit. Their mean age was 43.42 (±8.09) years, and 21 (67.7%) were male. At baseline, ophthalmological abnormalities were found in 45.2% of the 58 eyes, among which a quarter were in the pachychoroid spectrum. A significant decrease in retinal vascular plexus density was found between V1 and V2 (p<0.01). While median macular and RNFL thicknesses significantly increased after the marathon (p<0.01), median choroidal thickness significantly decreased (p<0.01). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased after the marathon (p<0.01 and p=0.021 respectively).
Conclusions :
Prolonged physical effort impacts the structure and vascularization of the retina and the choroid. Hypoxia and dehydration due to such an effort may induce a low ocular blood flow rate resulting in a transient subclinical ischemic edema of the inner retina and optic nerve head.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.