HIT-Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the global leading cause of irreversible blindness. Currently the only proven method for the treatment of high- and normal-tension glaucoma is the reduction of intraocular pressure either through medication, surgery, or laser treatment. Despite the current forms of treatment, a significant portion of patients progress in their disease. This project aims to investigate the possibility of using exercise therapy, specifically high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as a treatment for glaucoma.

About the project

HIT-Glaucoma is a multicenter exercise study for glaucoma patients between three institutes: the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health of the University of Basel, the Eye Clinic at the Basel University Hospital and the KU Leuven in Belgium. In Basel, the study is being carried out by the Division of Preventive Sports Medicine and Systems Physiology of the Department of Sport, Exercise. Participants of the study will be randomly divided into two groups: intervention and control group. The intervention group will receive a high-intensity interval training plan and the control group will receive lifestyle counseling and standard care of glaucoma. With this method, we aim to validate an exercise therapy concept that could significantly improve glaucoma progression and patients’ quality of life.