Lifting weights with glasses on? Ophthalmologist says it can be riskier than you think

When your doctor prescribes you glasses, it often comes with a couple of dos and don’ts. The instruction manual may seem a tad much, but you must follow it word by word. Why? Because if you don’t, you could end up losing your vision. For instance, if your doctor advised you not to lift weights after prescribing you glasses, listen!

In a video shared on Instagram, Dr Sanskriti Ukey, an ophthalmologist based in India, explained how lifting weights when you are on glasses can be dangerous. What happens when you lift weights while you have glasses? Let’s take a look.

High power glasses mean no weight lifting

If your ophthalmologist prescribed you strong glasses, that means you have to stop lifting weights. In cases of high myopia, it is especially crucial that you keep heavy lifting at bay.

“Your high power means your eyeball is longer and thinner, making the delicate inner lining-the retina-stretched and extra fragile,” Dr Ukey said.



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What happens when you lift heavy weights?

The ophthalmologist also explained what would happen if you lift heavy weights when you have high power glasses. “When you lift heavy weights, you naturally hold your breath and strain. This creates an intense, sudden pressure spike that shoots straight to your head and eyes,” Dr Ukey said.

So, what’s the risk? The seemingly harmless action may lead to serious damage to your eyes. According to Dr Ukey, the sudden pressure spike acts like a powerful tug on your already weakened retina.

“It can cause a retinal tear or full-blown retinal detachment, a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery.” A retinal detachment often means severe, permanent loss of vision, the doctor said.

The doctor emphasized that avoiding heavy lifting is crucial is to protect your vision. “Is a moment of heavy lifting worth the risk of losing your central vision? The answer is NO.”

If you are very keen about lifting weights, the ophthalmologist suggests keeping the weight limit below 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg).”

Also, remember that safety comes first. “Use carts, ask for help, or keep your mouth open and breathe out when lifting anything heavy to prevent that dangerous pressure spike.”

While fitness is an important aspect of life, so is your vision. So, the next time your eye doctor tells you to follow a set of rules, stick by it.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.

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