Effects of acute exercise on intraocular pressure in hypertensive individuals

Abstract Background Exercise is a crucial component in the management of blood pressure among hypertensive individuals. The relationship between hypertension (HTN), blood pressure, and intraocular pressure (IOP) has been evaluated in the literature, with studies showing a positive correlation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and IOP. However, according to best of our knowledge, no study has been identified that investigates the effects of exercise on IOP in hypertensive individuals. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of exercise on IOP in hypertensive individuals and to examine its relationship with exercise capacity. Methods Thirty-five individuals (28 F, 7 M) diagnosed with HTN participated in the study. IOP measurements were performed three consecutive measurements using non-contact tonometry (Tonopachy™ NT-530P, Nidek Co., LTD, Japan) both before and immediately after exercise, and the mean IOP values were recorded. Patients performed 6-minute stepper test for single session exercise. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and perceived exertion levels were assessed before and after exercise. Exercise capacity was determined based on the number of steps completed during the 6-minute stepper test. Results The mean age of participants was 58.34±4.96 years (range: 46–65) and a mean HTN duration was 9.8±7.4 years. The mean exercise %HRmax was 86.78±4.12%, systolic blood pressure 152.49±26.49 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure 84.97±11.18 mmHg. A decrease in IOP was observed in 66% of participants following maximal exercise. A moderate negative correlation was found between changes in SBP and IOP (r= -0.363, p=0.045), whereas no significant relationship was observed between changes in exercise capacity or DBP and IOP changes. Conclusions While acute exercise leads to an increase in systemic blood pressure, it results in a reduction in IOP. Given that systemic blood pressure elevation is associated with increased IOP in hypertensive individuals, exercise may also contribute to controlling IOP levels.