SupplementsExercise

Longer moderate-to-vigorous physical activity duration is associated with better macular choroidal circulation in older adults with primary open-angle glaucoma

In a cross-sectional study of older adults with POAG, longer MVPA duration was independently associated with greater choroidal vascular volume (β = 0.04, P = 0.021) and higher choriocapillaris flow density (β = 0.06, P = 0.004). Patients with POAG had lower PA levels and reduced choroidal circulation compared to age-matched controls.

Last updated: Aug 2, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Physical Activity and Macular Choroidal Circulation in Older Adults With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

observational

Luo Z, Lin Z, Yu Y, Du Y, Xu Y, Yang Y, Huang S, Han Y, Huang J · Translational vision science & technology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: ≥7 days of actigraphy monitoring
Intervention: Habitual physical activity measured via International Physical Activity Questionnaire and wrist-worn actigraphy for ≥7 days, with focus on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity duration
Outcome: Choroidal vascular volume, choroidal stromal volume, choroidal vascularity index, and choriocapillaris flow density measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography
Effect Size: β = 0.04 for CVV, β = 0.06 for CC FD
Population: Older adults aged 60 years or older with primary open-angle glaucoma and age-matched controls

Result:

PubMed: 42524826DOI: 10.1167/tvst.15.7.33

Mechanism Graph

Physical activity increases systemic blood flow and shear stress
↓
Improved endothelial function and nitric oxide bioavailability in choroidal vessels
↓
Enhanced choroidal perfusion and vascular volume maintenance
↓
Result: Better choroidal circulation in glaucoma patients with higher MVPA

Limitations

  • ⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
  • ⚠Physical activity was self-reported and actigraphy-based, which may have measurement error

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum amount of MVPA associated with better choroidal circulation?▼

The study did not specify a threshold; it analyzed MVPA duration as a continuous variable.

Can physical activity reverse glaucoma-related choroidal damage?▼

No, this cross-sectional study only shows an association, not causation or reversal.

Was the association seen in both POAG patients and controls?▼

The significant associations were reported specifically among patients with POAG, not in controls.

What type of physical activity counts as moderate-to-vigorous?▼

MVPA includes activities like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling that increase heart rate and breathing, as measured by actigraphy.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

References

  1. 1.Luo Z, Lin Z, Yu Y, Du Y, Xu Y, Yang Y, Huang S, Han Y, Huang J. "Physical Activity and Macular Choroidal Circulation in Older Adults With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.." Translational vision science & technology, 2026. PMID: 42524826 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.15.7.33
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.