Gym goers warned: some activies are bad for your eyes and could lead to permanent loss of vision.
Retinal detachment is a dangerous ophthalmologic condition that may result in permanent visual loss.
The retina, a tiny layer of tissue that borders the back of the eye, is involved in the medical emergency, according to Bill McKenna, Founder of Cognomovement.
This part of the eye helps the brain understand what the eye sees by turning the light that comes into the eye into an electrical signal.
In retinal detachment, the retina separates from the layer of blood vessels that bring it oxygen and food, McKenna said.
“This separation can cause vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly.”
According to some studies, lifting weights that are too heavy can have harmful consequences, including damage to joints, muscles, and even the eyes.
As suggested by studies, intense exercises like heavy weightlifting can cause a sudden increase in venous pressure, which may lead to retinal detachment.
While resistance training has many positive effects on health, it’s important to be cautious and avoid lifting weights that are too heavy.
Studies going back to the year 2000 have shown a link between retinal detachment and lifting heavy weights.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology published one of the first studies to correlate the disease with the activity in male athletes.
A recent research of 264 patients published in the Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association confirmed these results.
The study showed that lifting heavy things at work could also cause retinal detachment, and that the length of time spent lifting had a big effect on the damage.
An earlier study that was published in Neurology Research revealed that this kind of weightlifting might cause significant artery pressure.
One paper in the journal says:
“Catastrophic brain injuries such as stroke, cerebral haemorrhage, […] retinal haemorrhage and retinal detachment have been associated with weight-lifting.”
Despite the fact that this link has been shown by several research, other lifestyle variables are more likely to cause damage to the retina.
Mr. McKenna says that nearsightedness, damage to the eye, and certain medical conditions are also linked to retinal detachment.
Obesity is a common cause of serious retinal diseases that can cause blindness because it weakens the tiny blood vessels in the eye.
This makes it hard for them to bring oxygen and other important nutrients to the eye area, which can lead to retinal detachment.
According to Mr. McKenna, it’s crucial to have “regular eye exams” and take precautions like wearing protective eyewear to prevent retinal detachment.
Those with high myopia or a family history of the condition are particularly at risk.
If you notice any changes in your vision or symptoms like “floaters or flashes of light”, it’s important to see an eye doctor immediately, as “these could be signs of retinal detachment”.
Heavy lifting may be a significant risk factor for retinal detachment, but further research in general populations is required to understand the causes.
These studies do highlight the need for appropriate safety measures to be taken while moving big objects, however.
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