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Scleral-Buckle and Weightlifting/Bodybuilding

I had a detached retina in my left eye in 2006. That year I had a Scleral-Buckle installed. I now have 20/20 vision with glasses. I had glasses before the operation too, and my prescription needed upgrading. At least I didn't go blind because you see, I have been blind in my right eye since birth. So I just have the one good eye, and it's already been repaired for a detached retina. I just got into weightlifting and bodybuilding. The info on the net is vague about lifting weights causing damage to the eye or Scleral-Buckle or retina by lifting weights. I know in some rare instances weightlifting has caused a retina to become detached. This is not the norm. No one can so far tell me except for eye strain or straining the face and head while lifting, what damage can occur or how this happens. That's what I want to know. I cannot ask my regular doctor, I don't have one. The operation was due to Hurricane Katrina and was paid for by Uncle Sam. I haven't seem a eye doctor since, just an optometrist. I'm 44, 5'3 and have been skinny all my life. This is something I need to do for me, even if my sight is at risk. I want to understand the risk better, so I'm asking for not simply opinions, but hard core data to back up your claims. Again, what damage can occur to the Scleral-Buckle or eye or retina, how likely is it to happen, how often does it happen and what are the causes associated with weightlifting? I need all that answered and backed up by hard core data. I currently lift 70 lbs but own a 300 lbs set and plan to learn to lift at least 200 lbs. Thank you.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your answer. I have never been told about the possibility of glaucoma developing due to pressure caused by the buckle. It was Ben Taub hospital in Houston that did the operation. How much does high blood pressure contribute to glaucoma? I don't have high blood pressure but I do have borderline hypertension which i am attempting to get lowered with diet. My hopes are that if I continue to lower my pressure this way, it will balance and cancel out any potential negative side effects from the pressure of the buckle or weightlifting. When I life weights, so far, I don't have a lot of strain on my head/eyes. Don't know that I can afford a glaucoma specialist but I do have a good general clinic with a sliding scale payment system that id supposed to "do it all" so they may be able to advise me on this. I'm going to see them next week for a regular physical.and cholesterol screening.  
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1573381 tn?1296147559
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Unlikely to effect the scleral buckle or retina. What I would be concerned about is increased pressure in the eye and risk of glaucoma (which you already have after a retinal detachment and scleral buckle surgery.  If you are going to continue lifting, you need to see a glaucoma specialist regularly to monitor for changes to your optic nerve and stop if you are developing damage.

HV
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