Aug
15
2010
Weightlifting, especially if one holds his or her breath during the exercise, may cause a temporary increase in pressure within the eyes. Glaucoma is sometimes linked to increased pressure in the vitreous humor of the eye.
Generally, intraocular pressure generally decreases after both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Higher intraocular pressure has been reported during the Valsalva maneuver (air is forced against a closed windpipe causing an increase of pressure in the chest). This action occurs during coughing, vomiting, playing wind instruments, as well as during some weightlifting sessions.
According to ScienceDaily.com, study authors note that a certain type of glaucoma (normal-tension glaucoma) is more common in individuals who are subjected to frequent changes in eye pressure. “Prolonged weightlifting could be a potential risk factor for the development or progression of glaucoma. Intermittent intraocular pressure increases during weightlifting should be suspected in patients with normal-tension glaucoma who perform such exercises,” they conclude. “Patients with normal-tension glaucoma should be questioned as to a history of regular weightlifting.”
Learn more about glaucoma’s causes and how to prevent it at our website.
Feb
10
2009
A recent study shows that higher doses of vigorous exercise are associated with lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States.
Paul Williams, an epidemiologist in Berkeley Lab’s Life Sciences Division studied 41,708 runners (29,532 men and 12,176 women) more than seven and a half years. He tracked their average daily running distance (kilometers per day), their cardiorespiratory fitness, their body mass index (BMI), cigarette use, and diet. This data was collected in the National Runners’ Health Study.
The results?
- Men who reported having AMD were significantly more likely to have once smoked cigarettes
- AMD risk was greater in the men and women who consumed more meat and less fruit
- Men and women who reported having AMD ran for exercise significantly less than those who remained unaffected
- The relative risk for AMD decreased 10% per km/d increment in running distance. Compared with the men and women who averaged less than 2 kilometers/day:
- those averaging 2 to 4 kilometers/day had 19% lower adjusted risk of AMD
- those averaging 4 kilometers/day had 42% to 54% lower adjusted risk of AMD
Williams concluded that higher doses of vigorous exercise such as running are associated with lower incident AMD risk independent of weight, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cigarette use.
Learn more about macular degeneration (AMD)
SOURCE: Prospective Study of Incident Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Relation to Vigorous Physical Activity during a 7-Year Follow-up, Williams, Paul, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2009;50:101-106.
