Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Intraocular pressure (IOP or “eye pressure”) gets the majority of the blame for cases of glaucoma, but studies have shown that more and more people are developing normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and that progressive damage can occur even with IOP-lowering intervention.

Studies of the ginkgo biloba have shown that the herb can improve blood flow at a tissue level. Ginkgo biloba does not seem to affect intraocular pressure, blood pressure, or heart rate, but it has been shown to improve pre-existing visual field damage in some individuals suffering from glaucoma.

Sources: http://www.naturaleyecare.com/study.asp?s_num=212 and http://www.naturaleyecare.com/study.asp?s_num=211.

For more research on glaucoma, visit our research index page.

And, since you might not have a ginkgo tree in your back yard, here’s a good source of ginkgo biloba for eye health.

Weightlifting, especially if one holds his or her breath during the exercise, may cause a temporary increase in pressure within the eyes.  Glaucoma is sometimes linked to increased pressure in the vitreous humor of the eye.

Generally, intraocular pressure generally decreases after both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Higher intraocular pressure has been reported during the Valsalva maneuver (air is forced against a closed windpipe causing an increase of pressure in the chest). This action occurs during coughing, vomiting, playing wind instruments, as well as during some weightlifting sessions.

According to ScienceDaily.com, study authors note that a certain type of glaucoma (normal-tension glaucoma) is more common in individuals who are subjected to frequent changes in eye pressure. “Prolonged weightlifting could be a potential risk factor for the development or progression of glaucoma. Intermittent intraocular pressure increases during weightlifting should be suspected in patients with normal-tension glaucoma who perform such exercises,” they conclude. “Patients with normal-tension glaucoma should be questioned as to a history of regular weightlifting.”

Learn more about glaucoma’s causes and how to prevent it at our website.