Newcomer - Exercise with glaucoma advice

[Forestchill]

Hi, I am new to this group (and fairly new to having glaucoma with reducing peripheral vision) and wanted to get some advice about exercising. Are there any exercises that people would recommend or suggest that I avoid because of my glaucoma? I have read that it is best to avoid having your head below your heart but nothing other than that. I really need to improve my fitness but ideally something that only takes a maximum of 30 minutes at a time (I have three children so it cannot take too long lol). Thank you so much

[Double-dot]

hi, personally I think it’s important to get fit and stay fit for all the physical and mental benefits that brings. But as always you should check with a health professional. I was diagnosed with glaucoma about a year ago. I have always played squash and to do that I run and cycle to keep my fitness up. I have had to move over to Racketball (played with a bigger ball) due to my eye condition, but I train just as hard and the pressure in my eyes is under control. I suppose the main thing is to be sure you are not damaging your eyes further. I am sure that others will disagree and tell you not to exercise and be careful but I will carry on doing what I love for as long as I can. Whatever you do, stay positive!

[Jon1988]

Exercising 4 days a week for 30 minutes has been proven to reduce IOP by 20%, which is comparable to a drop if you can keep it up! I would avoid anything where you head is below your heart, and swimming with tightly fitted goggles, but most other things are great for you and your eyes, even walking is really good and will reduce your IOP.

[Beecalmed]

Hi and welcome!

I’m a big fan of walking. 30 mins every day would be enough to meet 150 mins recommended exercise a week. Just walk at a speed that you’re slightly breathless but can still hold a conversation. Do it with a friend.

I also do pilates at home for improved strength and flexibility and just avoid any down dog or inverted head down sort of moves. Lots of online pilates classes you can follow if you need motivation. I often do a quick 30 mins if I’m busy.

Latest research is saying “Zone 2 “ level exercise is the best way to increase fitness and lose weight and you just need about 150 mins a week. Google it. 🙂

[Dumyat26]

Age late 70's. I've had glaucoma in both eyes for 12 years. 30% field of vision loss in one eye, 10% in other. I have never found any restriction in exercise, nor was I told to avoid anything. Swim 40 lengths front crawl most weeks using small googles. I checked with consultant.

Run 5k on treadmill and do weight training on gym machineswith no restrictions, (other than level of weights!)

[Machicado]

My consultant says PIlates is fine but don't do any exercise which puts your head below your heart. No other restrictions.

[Redshoes15]

Hi, to add to what others have said. I am 72 anc have had glaucoma for 17 years. I still do power walking (often with Nordic poles) and ballroom dancing. I do yoga and Pilates at home so I can avoid any of the positions where my head is lower than my heart. Best advice I can give you is that any exercise will help your eye pressures as long as you keep your head elevated. I think weights are ok too but perhaps avoid lifting them above your head. Hope this helps.

[salla22 in reply to Redshoes15]

Hi . I do exercises on zoom, can recommend Goldster, they do pirates, yoga , tai chi and a lot of other activities, first month free, then less than £10 a month, I m older than you, only diagnosed a year ago

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi.

All good advice. Weight training ok but not with the really heavy weights where your exertion is causing you to have to hold your breath and turn a very scarlet colour!

There is also some information out there, about cutting out extreme sports for people with pigmentary glaucoma. If you have this type of glaucoma, it is best to get your eye specialists opinion.

[Bellamolly60]

hi

I had a few ops over the years , I like to walk

Lucky I am Porter at the eye hospital

I do 30,000 steps per shift .so it does not

Cost anything and I get paid for it as well

Take care 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦