Can excessive exercise cause eye strain?
Weightlifting, especially if one holds his or her breath during the exercise, may cause a temporary increase in pressure within the eyes. Glaucoma is sometimes linked to increased pressure in the vitreous humor of the eye. Generally, intraocular pressure generally decreases after both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Higher intraocular pressure has been reported during the Valsalva maneuver (air is forced against a closed windpipe causing an increase of pressure in the chest). This action occurs during coughing, vomiting, playing wind instruments, as well as during some weightlifting sessions. Authors of a recent study note that a certain type of glaucoma (normal-tension glaucoma) is more common in individuals who are subjected to frequent changes in eye pressure. “Prolonged weightlifting could be a potential risk factor for the development or progression of glaucoma.
