Can Playing Basketball Worsen My Retina Issues with High Myopia?

Q: Can Playing Basketball Worsen My Retina Issues with High Myopia?

Hello, Awei： Generally, unless there is a retinal tear and external trauma, the retina typically does not detach due to physical activity. <br>Since you are still young and the vitreous has not yet undergone liquefaction, it is not easy for retinal detachment to occur. <br>I hope

Retinal issues

I am currently in the process of advancing to high school.
I have been playing basketball every day since the third grade of elementary school.
However, I was diagnosed with myopia of -6.50 diopters in the second year of junior high.
Occasionally, I run at school, but most of the time I play basketball.
My question is whether playing basketball every day could cause problems with my retina.
I read online that high myopia should avoid intense exercise, but I have not experienced any issues since the second year of junior high.
How can this be explained? Thank you, doctor.

Awei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/22

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Awei: Generally, unless there is a retinal tear and external trauma, the retina typically does not detach due to physical activity.
Since you are still young and the vitreous has not yet undergone liquefaction, it is not easy for retinal detachment to occur.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Dr.
He Jianxian, Ophthalmology, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2020/08/22

More Info

Playing basketball or engaging in other vigorous sports can raise concerns for individuals with high myopia, particularly regarding the health of the retina. High myopia, defined as a refractive error of -6.00 diopters or more, is associated with an increased risk of retinal complications, including retinal detachment, tears, and other degenerative changes. However, whether or not playing basketball will worsen your retinal issues largely depends on the overall health of your eyes and the presence of any pre-existing retinal conditions.

From your description, it seems you have been playing basketball regularly since elementary school and have not experienced any significant issues. This is a positive sign, as it suggests that your retina may be healthy enough to withstand the physical demands of the sport. However, it is crucial to understand that high myopia can lead to structural changes in the eye, particularly in the retina, which may not always present symptoms until a significant problem arises.

The primary concern for individuals with high myopia engaging in high-impact sports like basketball is the risk of trauma to the eye, which could potentially lead to retinal tears or detachment. While the act of playing basketball itself does not inherently worsen retinal conditions, the risk of injury during play is a factor to consider. If you have not experienced any eye trauma or symptoms such as flashes of light, sudden increase in floaters, or a shadow in your peripheral vision, you may be in a relatively safe position to continue playing.

It is advisable to have regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist, particularly one who specializes in retinal health. They can perform a thorough evaluation of your retina to check for any signs of thinning, tears, or other abnormalities. If your retina is healthy and there are no signs of complications, you should be able to continue playing basketball without significant risk.

Additionally, if you experience any changes in your vision or new symptoms while playing, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection of retinal issues can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe complications.

In summary, while high myopia does carry certain risks regarding retinal health, many individuals with high myopia can participate in sports like basketball without issues, provided their retina is healthy. Regular eye check-ups and being vigilant about any changes in vision are key to ensuring your eye health while enjoying the sport you love. Always consult with your eye care professional for personalized advice based on your specific condition.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Retinal Issues for Athletes with High Myopia

I am currently in the process of moving up to the first year of high school. I have been playing basketball every day since elementary school, but during my second and third years of junior high, my myopia has progressed to 600-700 degrees. I am concerned that my frequent intense...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Awei: If your retina is healthy and there are no holes or thinning in the peripheral areas, exercising is completely fine. You can have an ophthalmologist check it for you. In Taiwan, the Department of Ophthalmology at Puzi Hospital is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, an...

Does Intense Exercise Worsen Cataracts and Floaters?

Hello, doctor. I have symptoms of cataracts, specifically seeing a layer that looks like a spider web. I also experience some floaters when I play basketball. I would like to know if engaging in intense exercise, such as playing basketball, could further worsen my lens condition?

Dr. Feng Jiefan reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Cataracts and floaters are two different conditions, both of which can cause opaque objects to be seen in the left visual field. Cataracts may worsen due to exposure to sunlight, while vigorous exercise, as long as there is no ocular trauma, will not have an impact. Wishin...

Can People with High Myopia Safely Play Baseball?

Hello, doctor. I have myopia in both eyes, approximately over 600 degrees. I previously read an online article stating that if myopia exceeds 600 degrees, one should avoid fast-paced sports like baseball, as it could cause retinal damage. Is this true?

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Avoid trauma.

Can Protective Goggles Prevent Retinal Detachment in High Myopia?

I would like to ask the doctor, if a person with -600 diopters of myopia wears protective goggles while playing volleyball, can this prevent retinal detachment from being hit by the ball? Or does high myopia inherently pose a risk of retinal detachment regardless of physical acti...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
There is no correlation; regular check-ups are sufficient.