Weight Training

[Jeffvader]

Hi,

After some advice or thoughts really.

I have glaucoma in one eye, damage already done, had a couple of surgeries to help with pressure (MIGS) and am now 6 months removed from that last one.

Is like to start building muscle as I am not getting younger (49 at the moment) and have read conflicting advise on lifting weights.

I am not proposing to start power lifting but does anybody have any experience or a guide to how to proceed?

My glaucoma has caused vision loss, and is probably at the moderate stage.

Thanks

[Cornwalleyes]

Hi, I’ve had a trab on each eye. I stopped going to the gym for six weeks after surgery, but apart from that I’ve always done weight training three times a week. My consultants advice is that as long as you don’t lift really heavy weights that put a strain on your body you should be fine. Just start of with light weights and build up slowly so it’s not a strain on any part of you’re body. Most personal trainers are aware of glaucoma as well and can advise you on how to adapt exercises if you need to.

[Jeffvader in reply to Cornwalleyes]

Thanks for the replying. What do you consider as light weights? I am fairly new to this, though i do swim a lot.

[Cornwalleyes in reply to Jeffvader]

I would literally start off with 2x 3kilo weights and work up from there, if that’s too easy move up to 5k, etc. if you’re doing seated weights you can lift a bit more. I would go to a good gym at least a few times to get advice, you need to activate your core muscles as well to avoid any strain.

[Jeffvader in reply to Cornwalleyes]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, appreciate your input and guidance here

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi there. Light weights should be fine to use, but anything that is too strenuous can be a problem as it can increase intraocular pressure. I would suggest not over-doing it and only lifting those light weights in moderation.

[Jeffvader in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Thanks Kieran. Question is what would you consider light weights being? I am reasonably fit as i swim a lot but just unsure as to where to start with this safely

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner in reply to Jeffvader]

Hello Jeff. Any weight that causes you to hold your breathe while lifting would be considered too heavy. Any weight that doesn't cause you to do this would be fine to use.

[Jeffvader in reply to Trish_GlaucomaUK]

Thanks Trish, completely understand what you mean and it helps.