Exercise, Swimming and Glaucoma
Swimming is an excellent low impact, aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and biking for 30 to 45 minutes, three to four times a week is known to be good for glaucoma patients. Aerobic exercises lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and improved blood flow to the brain. Therefore, they help glaucoma patients in preserving their vision. Moreover, healthy eyes can only live in a heathy body. So, doctors recommend all aerobic exercises, including swimming. However, there are some precautions that glaucoma patients must be aware of when swimming.
What About Swimming after Glaucoma Surgery?
You must avoid exercise for the first two weeks after surgery. You may start off with light exercise after that. However, its best to avoid heavy physical activity for four to six weeks. It is best to start with walking, and avoid swimming, sports etc.
When you resume swimming, its best to choose chlorinated pools. Avoid lakes or rivers to reduce the risk of infection.
What About Swimming Goggles?
Swimming goggles form a tight space around our eyes. Wearing them may increase your IOP by 4-5mmHg (approximately a 20–30% increase). The tighter the goggles, the more the IOP increase. That is, the smaller the googles, the more is the chance of IOP increase. Thus, wearing swimming goggles may worsen glaucoma. However, researchers have found that wearing swimming goggles does not increase glaucoma risk.
It is better to choose loose fitting goggles. They should not press on the eyes, and preferably should have no separation between the left and right eye compartments.
So Is Swimming Allowed in Glaucoma Patients?
Of course! Swimming is a wonderful, low impact aerobic exercise. It is good for you both physically, and emotionally. It keeps you fit, and also may increase the blood flow to your eyes and brain. Swimming is also known to lower your eye pressure. All of which will help your glaucoma.
You may, however, want to ensure that your swimming goggles are not too tight. Ideally, choose loose fitting goggles. Also, in case you have any doubts, you may want to discuss your decision with your eye doctor.
