Muscle strength in men linked to lower glaucoma risk - NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Moorfields

A large UK population study, published in ARVO’s Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science journal, found that greater fitness may reduce the risk of glaucoma in men. This study uses easily collected indicators of physical health, including grip strength, muscle volume, and walking pace. Two men walking in a park. They are wearing athletic clothing and appear to be engaged in conversation. In the background, two other people are also walking or jogging on the path. The park is filled with trees and greenery.

Two men walking in a park. They are wearing athletic clothing and appear to be engaged in conversation. In the background, two other people are also walking or jogging on the path. The park is filled with trees and greenery.

With glaucoma on the rise, identifying non-invasive, accessible ways to reduce risk is vital. Our results suggest that improving physical strength might be one such approach, especially in men.
Kian Madjedi, Cornea & External Disease Fellow at the University of Cincinnati & Cincinnati Eye Institute

Interestingly, these associations were not found in women, suggesting that biological factors are at play and leaving room for further exploration. They were also stronger in men with a higher genetic risk.

According to Glaucoma UK, the number of people living with the disease is expected to increase by 44% between 2015 and 2035. Important factors in this rise are advances in detection and an ageing population.

These findings add to a growing body of research on the protective effect of moving our bodies on overall health. It is easy to see the benefits of movement as a safe, non-invasive tool that triggers the body’s natural self-repair mechanisms.

Further information

Kian Madjedi Prof Anthony Khawaja View full article on ARVO’s Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science journal.