Should you stop weight training if you have or are a glaucoma suspect?

Question

I am under watch by my opthamologist for possible glaucoma. Once, measured by optametrist, my IOP was slightly our out of normal range. He did not note any other indicators of the disease. He has been checking my optic nerve (takes pictures) and doing vision field test for years.

Because of the optametrist's observation, I decided to see an opthomologist. The opthomologist repeated the test and found the IOP within normal range however, decided to do all of of the other tests (vision field test and pictures of optic nerve). He says that he will repeat the tests in three months, compare the results and then conclude as to whether or not I have glaucoma.

I use weight to stay fit. I do not do any power lifting etc. My objective is to stay toned, not to bulk up. I know there were some studies done that say that IOP goes up if you "weight lift". I would like to hear from those who have gluacoma or are knowledgeable in the field and/or are famalier with the study

Answer 1

Have a talk with your ophthalmologist and mention the IOP/weight lift concern. If you were first toning with weights at about the time of the IOP irregularity first showed up the stress of starting the toning may have been enough to change the IOP and now that your body has ajusted to your work-out, there is less stress to cause your IOP to be out of normal range.

Good luck