Can I lift weights after retina detachment surgery?

[Bc320]

I had retinal detatchment surgery 3 weeks ago. I’m a personal trainer also trying to be a natural pro body builder. What are the chances of ever moving extremely heavy weight again? (3-4 rep maxes) I was cleared by my surgeon for my “normal life” last Monday but am concerned when he cleared me he didn’t understand how serious my training is. Any advice helps.

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

There is only one thing for you to do. Call your retina surgeon and explain what your 'normal life" is like including the weights you have to lift.   I have outlined things patients with RDs should not do because of risk to both eyes, these include martial arts and and violent contact sports,  amusement type thrill rides,  standing on your head.  Only your retina surgeon can clear you for power lifting.   Light weights and high reps are not generally harmful but heavy weights to muscle failure are a different animal.

[Bc320]

Thank you. Is that for long term or just until cleared typically?

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

The things I mentioned that RD should avoid are rest of life.  Again your best source is your retina surgeon.  Remember have RD in one eye the chance of RD in the other eye is as high as 5-20%

[Kerem93]

Dr Hagan is it possible to train using light weights but going for muscle failure so what I'm really asking is is the heavy weights the problem or the
Effort put in to cause micro tears in the muscle

[JohnHaganMD]

Light weights to failure less stress on eye than ‘power lifting’ to failure with one maximum weight. Again you. MUST ask your surgeon as RDs are so unique and different can’t generalize.