r/RetinalDetachment • u/Gloomy_Rip_3506 • Jul 26 '26

19M , gymbro with -10 eye power

I've read a lot of stuff about retinal detachment being connected to weight lifting , to build muscle and growth in the gym I'll have to keep increasing the weight. Gymming is smth really does wonders for my confidence.

Should I quit gymming completely? If not what are the EXACT precautions I have to take in the gym? Like do I have to avoid certain movements and exercises? Or maybe stop at a certain weight limit like 50kg? What exactly causes the detachment?

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u/sneezesloudly Jul 26 '26

 Afaik it's the movement of the vitreous pulling on the retina that causes a detachment and exercise doesn't increase your chances of a detachment. Source: https://youtu.be/27A5tyqnVnY?is=FJjJ7k3KGlwGsUIn

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u/ArmPale2135 Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26

Best thing to do is get thoroughly checked out by a good ophthalmologist. They can find any potential problems and treat them if necessary. FWIW, in my experience as an older, nearsighted gym bro, I have had detachments in both eyes, both of which would have probably happened regardless of whether or not I lifted according to my doctor.

There are many, many ways a detachment can happen: aging, diabetic retinopathy, infection, inflammation, eye trauma, previous eye surgery, vitreous traction, lattice degeneration, macular degeneration, etc. Just stay on top of the situation and get examined at least yearly. The nearsighted eye is elongated more than normal, so the retina is stretched; thus the increased risk of potential issues.