Most weight loss plans may be linked to increased risk of glaucoma

Almost all weight loss plans are linked with increased risk of glaucoma, according to a study presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting in Vancouver. Eating less was the only weight loss strategy that was found to decrease the odds of developing glaucoma.

A retrospective cross-sectional study presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting revealed that weight loss certain strategies such as exercise especially weight lifting, diet supplement pills and even drinking excess water may be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma. Interestingly, they found that eating less may be associated with a decreased risk of having glaucoma. The author clarified that it is a temporal analysis and the long term effect is still not known.

While speaking to media the author pointed out that a prior study has shown that fasting decreased IOP in patients. But, another study showed that IOP increases when patient fast and they drink a lot of water. Results of both the studies are contradictory.

Elaborating on the mechanism she stated that anything that increases the episcleral venous pressure will decrease the drainage of the aqueous humor which leads to increased IOP. Thus, drinking water may act under this mechanism and may increase IOP.

Explaining the mechanism further she stated that Exercise such as weight lifting may increase venous pressure and elevate IOP.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. However, with early detection and treatment, one can protect his/her eyes against serious vision loss. Several large studies have shown that eye pressure is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage. In front of the eye is a space called the anterior chamber. A clear fluid flows continuously in and out of the chamber and nourishes nearby tissues. The fluid leaves the chamber at the open angle where the cornea and iris meet. When the fluid reaches the angle, it flows through a spongy meshwork, like a drain, and leaves the eye.

Initially, glaucoma can be asymptomatic. However, if left untreated it might show up symptoms such as

• loss of peripheral (side) vision.


• Patents may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye.


• Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains