AIM: To explore the effects of different intensity aerobic exercises on macular retinal vascular density in patients with primary open angle glaucoma(POAG).

METHODS: Prospective case-control study, 88 eyes of 48 patients with POAG diagnosed in our hospital from January 2019 to April 2021 were included(POAG group), 43 cases(86 eyes)were included in the normal control group(control group). The fundus photographic examination without mydriasis was performed with a mydriatic fundus camera, and the operation and film reading were carried out by a special ophthalmologist. Macular vascular density was measured by macular vascular segmentation method. According to macular vascular density, 48 patients with POAG were divided into low vascular density group and high vascular density group, with 24 cases in each group. 48 patients with POAG were instructed to perform treadmill load exercise to compare the vascular density levels in macular area of patients with high intensity(76%-87% HRmax), moderate intensity(64%-75% HRmax)and low intensity(52%-63% HRmax).

RESULTS: The vascular density in macular area of control group was significantly higher than that of POAG group; Compared with the high vascular density group, the age and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the low vascular density group, and the body weight was significantly lower; In both low and high vascular density groups, the retinal vascular density of macular area under moderate intensity aerobic exercise was significantly higher than that of low intensity and high intensity aerobic exercise; Systolic blood pressure and aerobic exercise were the influencing factors of vascular density in macular area; the above results showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Systolic blood pressure and aerobic exercise are factors affecting macular vascular density, and moderate intensity aerobic exercise can significantly increase macular vascular density.