Effects of Exercise on Optic Nerve and Macular Perfusion in Glaucoma and Normal Subjects. Issue 10 (20th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nie, Li; Cheng, Dan; Cen, Jiner; Ye, Yufeng; Qiao, Yilin; Fang, Jia; Zhu, Xueying; Wu, Minhui; Xu, Jiawen; Liang, Yuanbo; Shen, Lijun
• Is Part Of: Journal of glaucoma. Volume 31:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 804
• Page End: 811
• Publication Date: 2022-07-20
• Subjects: glaucoma -- optical coherence tomography angiography -- imaging -- retina -- exercise; Glaucoma -- Periodicals; 617.741005
• DOI: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-0829

Abstract

Abstract : Précis: Using optical coherence tomography angiography, we found an increase in the blood flow in regional macular without significant changes in the optic disk in patients with glaucoma after a moderate exercise regime. Purpose: To investigate the effect of moderate exercise on optic nerve and macular perfusion in glaucoma patients. Methods: Overall, 25 eyes of 25 patients with primary open angle glaucoma and 22 eyes of 22 normal subjects were included in the glaucoma and control groups, respectively. Foveal avascular zone parameters, whole and regional vessel density (VD) in the superficial layer of macula, VDs in the radial peripapillary capillary layer of the optic nerve head, intraocular pressure, and cardiovascular parameters were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after a 20-minute run at moderate speed. Results: In the glaucoma group, macular superficial VD of the whole image, parafovea, and superior and nasal regions were higher after 30 minutes of rest (44.049±5.704, 47.238±5.741, 48.692±6.648, and 47.852±5.078) than immediately after exercise (43.229±5.867, 46.334±5.984, 47.840±6.895, 46.793±5.238, P <0.05). The VD in the temporal and nasal regions was higher 30 minutes after exercise (45.105±5.512 and 47.852±5.078) than before exercise (44.265±5.803 and 46.750±5.639, P <0.05). The intraocular pressure decreased immediately after exercise (14.20±2.51 and 14.51±2.96 mmHg for glaucoma and controls, respectively) but was restored after 30 minutes of rest (15.84±3.57 mmHg for glaucoma and 16.50±2.25 mmHg for controls) in both groups ( P <0.001). Cardiovascular parameters were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Moderate physical exercise for 20 minutes increased blood flow in the macula region without significant change to the optic nerve and lowered intraocular pressure in glaucoma and normal subjects. The benefit of these findings to glaucoma patients needs further study.