Study finds weightlifting link to glaucoma

CHICAGO, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Holding your breath while weightlifting
causes temporary increases in eye pressure that could raise the risk of
developing one form of glaucoma, according to a study published on
Monday.

Researchers at the Catholic University of Brasilia in Brazil said they
reached the conclusion with a test of 30 men aged 18 to 40 whose
intraocular (in the eye) pressure was measured while they were bench
pressing.

None had glaucoma; but the study, published in the September issue of
Archives of Ophthalmology, found that eye pressure increased during the
breath-holding done as part of the training.

It said normal-tension glaucoma is more common in individuals who are
subjected to frequent changes in eye pressure. That variety of glaucoma
is one where the eye disease develops even though eye pressure when
measured in routine checks appears to be normal.

It is also more common among people who play high-resistance wind
instruments or those with asthma or intestinal or urinary tract
obstructions that cause them to strain in a way that increases eye
pressure.

"Prolonged weightlifting could be a potential risk factor for the
development or progression of glaucoma. Intermittent intraocular
pressure increases during weightlifting should be suspected in patients
with normal-tension glaucoma who perform such exercises," the authors
concluded.

The increased eye pressure that marks glaucoma damages the optic nerve
leading to sight loss and possible blindness.

SOURCES: Vieira, G. Archives of Ophthalmology, September 2006; vol 124:
pp 1251-1254. News release, JAMA/Archives.