Will running reduce my risk of getting glaucoma?
According to a new study, it might.
Tell me the details.
The study analyzed over 9,500 people between the ages of 40-81. Researchers measured the level of physical fitness for each person via treadmill tests and documented their weekly amount of exercise (self-reported by the participant). They followed these people for almost 6 years to see who might develop glaucoma.
What did they find?
The researchers found that the people who were the most active and the fittest had a lower risk of developing glaucoma than the least active, less fit group. This was even after controlling for other factors like smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes.
What does “most active” mean in terms of exercise?
The authors state the most active participants had roughly 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Why does working out help prevent glaucoma?
Because physical exercise has been shown to lower IOP although the mechanism of this is not understood. (via)
