Standardized aerobic and anaerobic exercise: differential effects on intraocular tension, blood pH, and lactate.

The effects of standardized aerobic and anaerobic exercise intensities on intraocular tension, blood lactate, and pH were studied. Intraocular tension decreased rapidly at all exercise intensities. The absolute lowest level of intraocular tension reached with aerobic and anaerobic exercise levels varied by only 1.5 mm. Hg and this difference was not statistically significant. Blood lactate and pH changes correlated with intraocular tension changes at anaerobic exercise levels, but not at aerobic exercise levels. These findings associated with aerobic exercise have not been previously reported. It is suggested that parameters other than the decrease in blood pH and the increase in blood lactate are responsible for most of the decrease in intraocular tension associated with dynamic exercise.