Eye and Vision Care

Exercise and myopic degeneration

05/12/2008 06:58AM

Question:

I am 48 years old and have been diagnosed with Myopic Degeneration. I have had 2 hemmorages and have received 2 injections thus far with good results. My question is I am very active and excercise everyday. Pushups, treadmill, rope jumping tennis and Taekwondo as of 2 weeks ago. Will this type of activity increase my chances of further complications, hemmorage, retinal detachment, due to Myopic Degenerationa. Information thus far has been very contradictory. Any advice you can give would be very helpful. Thank you

Answer:

I understand the contradictory information that you could be reading. However, I will say that working out has many cardiovascular benefits that improve the health of the entire body including the eyes. It is protective in many aspects in the prevention of disease progression. On the flip side, I would limit jarring extreme exercises such as bungee jumping and sky diving. In so far as Taekwondo, I would continue as long as you can guarantee no physical blows to the head. Also, talk this over with your ophthalmologist and gather their advice. Best of luck to you.

Kind Regards,

For more information:

Go to the Eye and Vision Care health topic, where you can:

Read articles on this topic
Browse the previously asked questions
Ask your own question.

Response by:

Melissa M Walters, OD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Optometry
College of Optometry
The Ohio State University