Myopic macular degeneration (wet)

[CookinCO]

I was dx 2 years ago and had one injection.   So far so good (thank God).  I think I asked my RS this way back then but don't recall what she said about activities to avoid....I worry that I will somehow cause a "leak" :-).  Is it okay to run, horseback ride....what is recommended to avoid?  Thanks very much.

[flossy93]

I have the same disorder, and asked my retina doctor the same thing.  He said to avoid any potential high-contact sports where one's head might have a high-speed collision with another person, the ground, a tree, etc.  

Use your own judgment about what things might jar certain blood vessels enough to break them open.  I was told normal jogging and exercise were ok, but that high-impact sports where the head could suffer a sharp blow could potential increase risk of a retina bleed.  

My doctor also said that to be super-cautious, he advises high myopes prone to retina bleeds to avoid prolonged head-down positioning such as with an inversion table or even prolonged yoga poses such as headstands.  If enough blood rushes to the head, apparently it can increase local blood pressure in the vessels in the retina and can increase risk of a bleeding episode.  But again, this is only his advice for patients wanting to be super-cautious.

There isn't any need to panic over bending over to pick up something or going for a normal jog, horseback ride, spin class, etc according to him.  But he said not to take up boxing or deliberately expose oneself to the risk of high-speed blows to the head.  

You are in the best position to evaluate your activities for any that might pose an undue risk.  I hope you do well and don't need another injection for a long time.  

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Yes,  and avoid contact sports such as boxing.

Dr. O.