Weightlifters may develop eye disease!
EYE DISEASE: Weightlifters may have a greater risk of developing a
potentially devastating eye disease, according to a study. Eye
specialists discovered that specific exercises can trigger a surge in
pressure within the eyes which could predispose weightlifters to
normal-tension glaucoma. The disease leads to damage to the optic nerve
and gradual loss of eyesight.
Tests on 30 male weightlifters showed that when they held their
breath while performing bench press exercises, the pressure in their
eyes increased significantly. Previous studies have shown normal-tension
glaucoma to be more prevalent in people who experience frequent changes
in eye pressure.
Doctors at the Institute of Specialised Ophthalmology in Brazil asked
the weightlifters, who were aged between 18 and 40, to perform various
exercises. For half of the repetitions each performed, they were asked
to hold their breath, and for the rest to breathe normally. All were
recruited with a healthy eyeball pressure of less than 21mm of mercury.
When the weightlifters held their breath, 90 per cent experienced a
rise in eyeball pressure of nearly 25 per cent. When they breathed
normally, it rose half as much and in only 62 percent of the
bodybuilders.
The study appears in the September issue of Archives of
Ophthalmology, Geraldo Magela Vieira, who led the study, said the
problem might arise when air is forced against the closed windpipe and
pressure increases in the chest. Breathing continuously throughout
training would minimise the effect.
Ian Sample, Guardian Newspapers Limited
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