I have lifted wieghts for 10 years. Two months ago I was in auto accident in which I detached the central retina on the left eye and had a less severe retinal detachment of the right eye. Surgery was done two months ago and both have stayed attached. My healing has been slow but has progressed to the point that the doctor has said that I can lift 20 lbs of weight, walk, do a ski machine and stationary bike. In two months I will return to her and if all is well I will be able to add swiming to my routine.
The big concern that I have is that she told me yesterday during our visit that since both eyes suffered detachment she would rather I not lift more than 50 lbs of weight after my recovery is complete. Therefore, changing my lifestyle in an incredible manner. I think that she is an excellent docotor but am concerned that the long term wieght limitation is too conservative. I used to bench 185lbs 12 times and understand I must be careful, but I feel in the long term lifting up to 145 lbs would be acceptable.
Please advise if I should receive a second opinion on the long term outlook as respects my weightlifting as it has been such an important part of my life. Also, would appreciate any rescources on sports and retinal detachments.
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (reg@ofcn.org)
Advising against lifting weights is standard practice after any type of eye surgery. When one lifts a heavy object, it causes a significant increase in the pressure within the eye, putting stress on surgical wounds.
I am not a retina specialist and I do not perform retinal detachment surgery, so I cannot give you specific information on the length of time one should wait before returning to such activities. Part of the decision must relate to the severity of the detachment and the type of operation performed to fix it. If I can get specific references, I will forward them to you.
--
Copyright, 1996. Richard E. Gans, M. D. All rights reserved.
Richard E. Gans, M. D.
Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology
Medical Director, The Health and Wellness Center
OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic
Email: reg@ofcn.org
WWW: http://www.ofcn.org:80/about.ofcn/whois/reg/
Mail: 26900 Cedar Road Suite #108
Beachwood, OH USA 44122-1148
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
--
Click here to review previous
Eye Clinic consultations