Lifting weights with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

I have the generic eye condition X-linked retinoschisis, and I’m concerned that I may be at risk for retinal detachment or accelerated vision loss from consistently lifting heavy loads.

While there hasn’t been a study conducted on the effects of exercise on the eyes of people with my condition, I have seen studies that claim lifting causes intraoccular pressure spikes.

Is this something I should be concerned about? I seem to have difficulty reading text on my phone in between intense deadlift/squat sets that is normally not an issue. This can sometimes linger for a few hours post training.

I haven’t had my eyes tested in a while so I can’t give you a quantitative value with regards to have severe my vision loss is, though I am considered registered blind here in the UK.

Thank you in advance.

2

Hi there,

This is unfortunately way outside our scope of expertise. I have never actually heard of this rare condition and can’t give you any advice or idea of the risk/benefit balance here with much confidence. Sorry about that.