Open angle and the gym

[Glm1]

Hi, recently diagnosed with open angle left eye, vision loss left eye 23/21 pressures. This has been a roller coaster so far with little info on diagnosis from consultant, thankfully I found this site 😊

I've stopped going to the gym since diagnosis, I was worried I was making it worse, can I ask what everyone else does exercise wise, I was going most nights Inc yoga, pilates and small weights, I know about head below heart but most yoga and pilates moves Inc head down or lying on floor and as ive raised head when sleeping thought id check, any advice appreciated as I've returned to just walking each night.

Another thing is does eye make up affect anything, mascara etc, I know may seem a silly q and I do use natural make up but just thought I'd ask.

Plus, are there any local support groups that meet face to face north west area, or any type of fundraising activities I can get involved in, would be nice to meet people who understand what this is like.

Thanks 😊

[Dumyat26]

I was first diagnosed with glaucoma in 2010. FoV 30% loss in left eye, 10% loss in right eye. With varying eye drops and SLT twice pressures are now down from low 20's to around 15-17. I have never been told to take care exercising and until recently was going to gym, running 5k, using weights and swimming 40 to 60 lengths front crawl 3 times weekly. My only concern was using small goggles for swimming so checked with consultant who was not concerned by that. And there has never been any evidence of deterioration.

[Glm1 in reply to Dumyat26]

That's great to know thanks 😊

[praying4cure in reply to Dumyat26]

My glaucoma specialist recommended goggles that fit outside the orbit of the eye, so that they don't put pressure directly on the eye. He also said no lifting weights above my head or lifting anything heavy enough to cause me to close off my throat. The same advice applies to straining in Pilates, and of course, no head-down poses in yoga. Running and swimming and similar aerobic activities that get your blood circulating are beneficial for glaucoma patients.

[Machicado]

I do pilates and just take care not to put head below heart

[Glm1 in reply to Machicado]

Thanks, do you find all the floor moves are ok to do lying flat?

[Machicado in reply to Glm1]

Most things are fine. If we are doing exercises where we are on our hands and knees, I'm just careful not to do anything which puts head below heart.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello. There is no reason to stop going to the gym, or attending the other exercise classes. In fact, consultants encourage rather than discourage exercise and it is good for everyone.

You just have to be more aware and "tweak" certain things. If you do heavy weights, where you have to hold your breathe to lift, then this is best avoided as it can affect the eye pressure.

With Yoga and Pilates, any position that causes your head to go below you heart should be avoided. If you attend a class, you should be able to speak to the instructor and tell them about your glaucoma. They can then work out a routine for you, where you will still get the benefits but not the risks. The same applies to the gym.

You should always change your eye makeup every 3 months. if you haven't bought new eye makeup since your diagnosis, this should be done.

There may be vision organisations/charities in your area. You should be able to find them by doing a google search.

[Glm1 in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks Trish 😊