Acute Ocular Effects Of Dynamic Endurance Exercises Requiring The Valsalva Maneuver

To evaluate the acute effects of different types of dynamic endurance exercises on intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal thickness, and choroidal parameters in healthy young athletes.

Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Turkey.

Nineteen healthy male athletes aged 20-25 years, with normal detailed ophthalmological examination findings, were enrolled. Each athlete performed squats, deadlifts, and biceps curls at different intensity levels (30%, 50%, 75%, and 95% of their maximum weight). IOP (measured by i-care rebound tonometer), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and iridocorneal angle (ICA) (measured by Sirius topography) were recorded before, during, and after the exercises. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroidal vascular index (CVI) were also evaluated using optical coherence tomography and ImageJ analysis.

Mean IOP significantly increased during exercise (p<0.0001) but returned to baseline at the end of the session. Progressive corneal thickening was observed between exercise sets, but this normalized after the final rest period. No significant changes were detected in SFCT or CVI. The exercise type and intensity did not significantly influence the results.

Dynamic endurance exercises requiring the Valsalva maneuver cause transient IOP elevation and temporary corneal thickening. These changes should be considered in individuals with glaucoma risk or corneal susceptibility.