The effect of physical activity on the intraocular pressure of glaucomatous patients.

Chronic simple glaucoma patients who performed physical activity had headache and nausea, symptoms that simulated a sudden rise in intraocular pressure. Twelve patients, who were diagnosed as suffering from simple open angle glaucoma, performed multiple bicycle ergometry. The intraocular pressure was measured during the ergometry and was compared to intraocular pressure measurements at rest. A statistically significant decrease was found in intraocular pressure during the ergometry performance. It was concluded that there is no ocular restriction for simple open angle glaucoma patients in performing physical activity.