Exercises to Avoid with Glaucoma

We all know exercise is key to staying healthy and fit, but did you know that certain workouts might not be ideal for everyone—especially if you have glaucoma? While physical activity is generally encouraged for overall wellness, glaucoma is one of the few eye conditions that requires a bit of extra caution when it comes to exercise. The reason? Some exercises can temporarily raise the pressure inside your eyes, which can worsen the condition. However, there are still plenty of safe and effective ways to stay active while protecting your eye health. Let’s dive into the types of exercises you should consider avoiding and how you can adjust your routine to keep both your body and eyes in top shape.

Glaucoma, often called the silent thief of sight, encompasses a range of eye conditions that gradually damage the optic nerve—the vital part of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain—often without noticeable symptoms until substantial vision loss has already occurred. Glaucoma raises the pressure in your eyes and certain exercises can increase that pressure temporarily, making it important to prioritize an eye-healthy exercise routine. 

1. Watch Out for the Strain: Lifting heavy weights or performing exercises that require straining (such as squats or deadlifts) can cause a sudden increase in IOP. The effort from holding your breath during these exercises (known as the Valsalva maneuver) can put excessive pressure on your eyes.

2. Skip the Headstands: Certain yoga poses like headstands, shoulder stands or downward dog involve inverting the body which can increase pressure in the eyes. These poses should be avoided by people with glaucoma. If you love yoga, opt for more neutral poses like cat-cow or child’s pose which don’t put pressure on your eyes.

3. Steer Clear of High-Impact Sports: Activities that involve jarring movements or rapid head movements, such as running, jumping or high-impact aerobics, can temporarily increase IOP and put a strain on the optic nerve. If you enjoy cardio, consider low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming or walking instead. 

4. Cancel Contact Sports: Sports like football, boxing or basketball carry a risk of injury to the eye which can be harmful for those with glaucoma. Even minor trauma to the eye can lead to complications, so it’s better to stick with non-contact sports to avoid accidents.

5. Lower the Intensity: Intense bursts of exercise in HIIT, particularly those that combine heavy lifting with short rest periods, can also spike IOP. If you’re a fan of HIIT you may need to modify the exercises to include lower-intensity options or allow for longer rest periods to reduce pressure on your eyes.

6. Release the Tension: Isometric exercises, such as planks where you hold a position for an extended period, can increase pressure in your eyes due to the tension in your body. Choose exercises that allow more movement and less strain.

But don’t worry—glaucoma doesn’t mean you’re stuck on the sidelines. Staying active with glaucoma is possible through low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, gentle yoga and strength training with light weights. These activities are gentle on your eyes and help maintain fitness without increasing intraocular pressure. Before starting or changing your exercise routine, it’s essential to consult your eye doctor to ensure the best approach for your condition. 

Make an appointment to rule out glaucoma and other eye diseases, so you can keep fit and protect your vision. Contact Skyline Vision Clinic at 719-630-3937 or WEBSITE.