Today there was a study released stating weightlifting may raise glaucoma risk in your eyes. Before everyone panics and stops weightlifting, lets take a closer look at this study. Most people read headlines, and panic; thus, make conclusions that weightlifting is bad for your eyes. Not so quick!

Before you panic, focus on the word “MAY” raise. The bottom line is the jury is still out on weight training being harmful toyour eyes. Many experts say no way! Looking at the study of only 30 people makes me very skeptical. Yes, 28 out of 30 weightlifters, lifting four repetition chest presses, saw an increase in intraocular pressure. Now does that mean you are hurting your vision? There is a slim chance!

First off, people have been weightlifting and bodybuilding at a hi-intensity level for over 20 years and there has not been a greater incidence of glaucoma. All this 30 person study teaches us is the pressure raises TEMPORARILY in the eye. The study doesn’t say weightlifting causes glaucoma. You have to be very careful when interpreting scientific studies. In my opinion, we need to see a sample of thousands of people over an extended number of years in order to determine a correlation between glaucoma, and weightlifting.

The most important thing to do when weightlifting is to continue to breath throughout the rep. Holding the breath increases intraocular pressure even more. Don’t hold your breath.

Bottom line: Don’t jump to conclusions! You could also say weightlifting increases blood pressure which, in turn, causes heart disease. Keep weightlifting because the health benefits far outweight any risks.

Share This