Weightlifting and Glaucoma Linked

Ivanhoe Newswire
Tuesday, September 12, 2006; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- When a weightlifter is lifting heavy weights, the pressure in his or her eyes increases and that could be a risk factor for a certain type of glaucoma, according to a new study.

The pressure within the eyeball is called intraocular pressure. Previous research has revealed this pressure is generally decreased after aerobic and nonaerobic exercise. However, higher intraocular pressure has been reported during coughing, vomiting, playing wind instruments and sometimes weightlifting. This happens because of the Valsalva maneuver, in which air is forced against a closed windpipe and pressure increases in the chest.

Researchers in Brazil measured the intraocular pressure during weightlifting in 30 men between 18 and 40 years old without glaucoma. The participants performed four repetitions of a bench press in two ways and had their eye pressure measured during the fourth repetition each time. First, pressure was measured in the weightlifters as they held their breath on the last repetition, and then it was measured when the weightlifter breathed normally.

Study authors report during the first measure when the participant held their breath, 90 percent of the weightlifters had an increase in intraocular pressure. During the second round, the pressure increased in 62 percent of the participants. Authors say the increased pressure could be due to the Valsalva maneuver.

Researchers conclude, "Prolonged weightlifting could be a potential risk factor for the development or progression of glaucoma." Specifically, normal-tension glaucoma is more common in those who have frequent changes in their eye pressure.

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SOURCE: Archives of Ophthalmology 2006;124:1251-1254