The acute effect of exercise on intraocular pressure: Meta-analysis

High intraocular pressure (IOP) affects visual health; mainly it is a risk factor for glaucoma. The objective of this study was to know the effects of intense exercise on IOP. Methodology: Meta-analyzed experimental studies that evaluated the effect of intense physical activity on intraocular pressure. The research of data encompassed nine multidisciplinary databases. A PRISMA protocol was applied, with criteria of eligibility, methodological quality, and extraction of information by two researchers to guarantee reproducibility. The meta-analysis was based on random effects, heterogeneity with DerSimonian-Lairds. Results: Twenty-nine articles were analyzed to obtain the effect sizes (TE), the experimental groups included 1016 subjects and the control groups 120 subjects. A total of 102 delta TE were calculated. The results of this study show an effect size of 0.31(IC 95%= de -0.46 a 1.08, Q= 16.15, I-2= 81.42 p=<= 0,05) for the control group. For the experimental groups an effect of -0,68 (IC95%= de -0.95 a -0.41, Q= 1573.49, I-2 = 99.80, p=<= 0,05). In aerobic exercise, TE was -1.74 (95% CI = -2.11 to -1.36, Q = 723.48, I-2 = 99.66, p =<= 0.05), which shows a large effect, indicating a reduction of IOP. This result indicates a preventive strategy that could be taken in consideration. In regards to the strength exercise, the TE result was 0.13, which indicates that there is no effect. In conclusion, IOP is reduced by means of intense aerobic exercise.