Which of the following activities is known to potentially decrease IOP?

Prolonged exercise is known to potentially decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) due to several physiological mechanisms. When engaging in extended periods of physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, certain cardiovascular adaptations occur. These include improved aqueous humor outflow and increased perfusion of the ocular tissues, which may help reduce pressure within the eye.

During exercise, there is also an increased demand for blood flow to the muscles, which can lead to changes in the hemodynamic factors within the eye. The increase in heart rate and overall circulation can facilitate better drainage of the aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork, thus lowering IOP. Additionally, sustained aerobic activities may enhance the overall health of the vascular system, which can indirectly benefit ocular health.

Conversely, activities such as drinking caffeine may actually cause a temporary increase in IOP, and wearing a tight neck tie could restrict blood flow or increase pressure in the head and neck region, potentially impacting IOP negatively. Laying down can also lead to increased IOP, as the horizontal position can reduce aqueous humor drainage. Therefore, prolonged exercise stands out as a beneficial activity for maintaining lower intraocular pressure, corroborated by numerous studies linking physical activity with improved ocular health.