Retinal Degeneration

I was recently diagnosed with retinal degeneration.  My question pertains to making the condition worse.  Is there anything I can do that will aggravate it and cause it to get worse?  I have heard that weight lifting, exercising, and roller coasters can make it worse?  Is this true?  What else can make it worse?

Also, I am being evaluated for Stickler Syndrome.  Does this diagnosis change any of your advice about retinal degeneration?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

It is important to know whether you have "macular degeneration" or "retinal degeneration" since strickly speaking they are not one in the same.

Neither  however would be made worse by a vigorous lifestyle/heavy exercise.

I have never had a patient with Stickler syndrome and know only what I read in text books.

JCH MD

[robpom]

I have lattice retinal degeneration.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I have lattice degeneration also as so does 6-7% of all people. It should make no difference in your ability to safely exercise. I adivse patients with lattice to avoid theme park rides that violently whip the head in different directions.

JCH MD

[robpom]

Thanks.  How often should I have the problem checked?  The retinal specialist I saw said once a year, but that seems too long of a period to me - seems like every few months would be safer, or is that just overkill?

RP

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Overkill-once/year is fine.

JCH MD