Exercising with weights

[Spanieldoglover]

Hi, I know it’s advised not to do weight lifting with glaucoma, but I use 1 - 2kg weights just generally in my workouts or resistance exercises and wondered if anyone knows whether this is likely to be a problem?

I’ve always thought about it being a problem when doing proper weight lifting heavy weights but I thought I’d better check. I’m not due to see my consultant until August and didn’t want to leave it that long as I’m on a NY fitness plan (as we do 😄). TIA

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi Spanieldoglover, you are correct that lifting weights is not recommended if you have glaucoma. If you do lift weights, the lighter the better and try not to go above the 1-2kg weights which you are already doing. I always recommend that it is important to exercise in moderation and to not over-do it. Try to take frequent breaks when exercising, and avoid anything too strenuous.

[Spanieldoglover in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Thank you Kieran, that’s really helpful. I only do 30 mins and definitely not too strenuous 😊

[muddledme in reply to Spanieldoglover]

Thank you both for making that clear I have been lifting 3 kilo weights at home , so will reduce in future. Good to be reminded.

[Cornwalleyes]

interesting reply, I do use weights in my workouts, anything up to 20k, my consultant is aware and has said it’s fine. The only time I stopped was when I had operations on my eyes. So maybe use the lower weights for now but definitely ask your consultant. 1 or 2k weights are probably less than things you would lift around the home or carrying shopping so really should be fine.

[hoolohoops]

So I have been treated for glaucoma for over 10 yrs and this has never been mentioned. 1 -2 kg is very little weight, how do you manage general activities such as shopping/cleaner/moving washing whilst carrying so little??

[KieranGlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hi again, I have found an article which you might find useful. To summarise, it will depend on the stage of your glaucoma and how heavy the weights are that you lift, as I mentioned above. However, as you did not mention the stage of your glaucoma, or if you have had any surgery recently, I was careful with my advice. More research is still needed with regard to weightlifting, but in any case it is best to check with your eye specialist, as Cornwalleyes said.

Hope this helps.

aao.org/eyenet/article/glau...

[Spanieldoglover in reply to KieranGlaucomaUK]

Thanks Kieran, that’s an interesting article. My glaucoma is moderate and as hoolohoops commented I’m sure I do lift heavier weights in day to day life. But it’s good to be aware that too heavy a weight or particular types of exercise are best to be avoided.

It seems like I’ll probably be alright with my 2kg 😊

Thank you so much for your help.

[Decorator123]

hi all am 46 still having to work as a decorator so have to lift tins ladders and things. Would love to be able to spend a day somewhere simulating what sort of weights and activities and have my eye pressure checked to see how it affect them