Most weight loss strategies are associated with increased risk of glaucoma development

According to a report published in Vancouver at the convention of the Association of Vision and Ophthalmology Researchers, it turned out that eating less is the only weight loss strategy that reduces the chances of glaucoma development.

Dr. Nikitha Reddy and colleagues conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using data from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The researchers found that over 3 million or 3.7% of surveyed people had glaucoma. Dr. Reddy reported that they were looking for a relationship between glaucoma and a weight loss strategy. The researchers found that a lower risk of glaucoma was associated with less food intake, while other weight-loss methods such as exercise, weight loss pills, dietitian consult and drinking more water increased the risk of glaucoma.

The researchers note that the study had certain limitations and didn’t cover the long term. Also it was not noted what kind of sport people are engaged in. When asked whether you do sports, the questionnaire simply indicated "yes or no". It is known that aerobic exercise reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) and the risk of glaucoma, while strength training increases IOP and the risk of glaucoma.

But the general conclusion is that eating less is the best way to reduce weight, and also to reduce the risk of glaucoma development.

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