The Effect of Three Types of Exhaustive Exercise Activities on Intraocular Pressure and Tear Film in Patients with Dry Eye Disease

Introduction: Vision is one of the primary sensory systems involved in performing sports skills. Exercise is essential for preventing and managing numerous chronic eye-related conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three types of exhaustive exercise activities on intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear film stability in patients with dry eye disease (DED). Methods: Twenty-two healthy female participants took part in this study. The participants randomly performed three types of exhaustive physical activities—swimming, resistance training, and running—on separate days, with a maximum interval of four days between consecutive tests. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear break-up time (TBUT) were measured before and immediately after each activity. The shuttle run test was used to assess aerobic activity. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare variables across the three conditions (aerobic, resistance, and swimming), and the Bonferroni post-hoc test was used when significant differences were found. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: Significant changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) were observed post-exercise (P=0.001): Resistance training increased IOP from 16.12±2.44 to 19.44±3.28 mmHg (change:+20.6%), while swimming decreased it to 13.12±2.57 mmHg (change: -18.6%) and running to 13.32±2.05 mmHg (change: -17.4%). TBUT changes were non-significant (P≥0.05): resistance 3.72±1.18 seconds; change: -19.1%), swimming (3.60±0.89 seconds; change: -21.7%), and running (3.64±1.38 seconds; change: -20.9%). Conclusion: Based on the findings, resistance training is associated with an increase in IOP, while aerobic exercises and swimming result in a decrease in IOP. Additionally, tear film stability (TBUT) showed a slight reduction after all three activities, though no significant differences were observed between the groups.