Fitbit Steps and Active Minutes Not Linked to Glaucoma Risk

Summary of the Article: Physical Activity and Glaucoma

This article reports on a study investigating the relationship between physical activity and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Researchers analyzed data from the “All of Us” Research Program, utilizing Fitbit data to measure activity levels.

Key Findings:

* Lower Activity in Glaucoma Patients: Individuals with glaucoma took significantly fewer steps per day (6,673) compared to those without glaucoma (6,891, P* = .04). They also had fewer lightly active minutes (180 vs. 193, *P < .001).
* no Independent Association: however, after adjusting for other factors (multivariable models), step count and lightly active minutes were not independently associated with glaucoma diagnosis or severity. Other activity metrics also showed no significant relationship.
* Age Not a Factor: The results remained consistent when analyzing data from participants over 40 and 65, suggesting the findings aren’t driven by differences in activity levels in younger populations.
* Exercise Still Important: Researchers emphasize that exercise remains important for overall cardiovascular health, despite not being directly linked to glaucoma in this study.

Future Research:

* ophthalmic Imaging: The researchers suggest future studies should incorporate ophthalmic imaging data (visual fields and OCT scans) for a more accurate assessment of glaucoma severity and progression.
* Longitudinal Studies: Tracking individuals before a glaucoma diagnosis (longitudinal studies) could help determine if changes in activity levels precede the development of the disease.

Source: Akarapimand P, et al. J Glaucoma. 2026;doi:10.1097/IJG.0000000000002660.

Contact: Patrick Akarapimand – [email protected]