Activities That May Harm Your Retina: Expert Advice for Eye Health

Q: Activities That May Harm Your Retina: Expert Advice for Eye Health

Hello： You mentioned that you have had surgery and laser treatment on your left eye, and laser treatment on your right eye, as well as whether your current lifestyle needs adjustment. <br>Generally, you should pay attention to the following： 1. <br>Avoid rubbing your eyes or appl

What actions can negatively affect the retina?

Dear Dr.
Hu,
Hello! I apologize for bothering you.
In October 2007, I underwent two retinal reattachment surgeries on my left eye due to retinal detachment caused by high myopia (the procedures were scleral buckle surgeries).
After the first reattachment surgery, the retina detached again two weeks later, necessitating a second surgery.
A month later, I received outpatient laser treatment to stabilize and improve the health of my left retina.
My right eye also has high myopia and a thinner retina, for which I received outpatient laser treatment to stabilize and enhance its health as well.
I understand that I should avoid engaging in vigorous activities, and I would like to ask you whether the following actions could negatively impact my retina:
1.
During regular eye check-ups, the air puff test for measuring intraocular pressure.
2.
Driving, as uneven road surfaces can cause significant jolting to my body and head.
3.
Occasionally, while sleeping, my fingers might accidentally touch my eyeball.
4.
Engaging in sexual activity, which may lead to heightened excitement.
I am particularly concerned and would appreciate your guidance on these matters.
Additionally, could you please provide any advice or warnings regarding actions that could adversely affect my retina? I will be especially cautious about those.
Thank you for your assistance, Dr.
Hu.

Xiao Lai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/07/25

Dr. Hu Yusheng reply Ophthalmology

Hello: You mentioned that you have had surgery and laser treatment on your left eye, and laser treatment on your right eye, as well as whether your current lifestyle needs adjustment.
Generally, you should pay attention to the following: 1.
Avoid rubbing your eyes or applying pressure to your eyeballs.
2.
Avoid activities with high gravitational acceleration, such as riding roller coasters.
3.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible: a.
Vision: Is your vision becoming blurry? Are straight lines appearing distorted? Are objects looking misshapen? b.
Visual field: When looking straight ahead, does the peripheral vision appear consistent in both eyes? c.
Floaters: Are there any new black spots or thread-like substances in your vision? d.
Retinal traction: Are you seeing flashes of light or lightning? If you notice any abnormalities, please consult an ophthalmologist for further examination.
For the rest of your daily life, you can maintain a calm mindset and follow your doctor's instructions for follow-up visits.
Wishing you peace and good health.

Reply Date: 2009/07/25

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding activities that may potentially harm your retina, especially given your history of retinal detachment and surgeries. It's crucial to be vigilant about eye health, particularly after experiencing such significant issues. Let’s address your questions and provide some general advice on protecting your retina.

1. Routine Eye Examinations: During eye exams, the air puff test used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) is generally considered safe. While it may cause a brief moment of discomfort, it should not exert enough pressure to harm the retina. However, always communicate your history of retinal issues to your eye care provider so they can take extra precautions if necessary.

2. Driving on Uneven Roads: Driving can indeed lead to vibrations and jolts, especially on bumpy roads. While normal driving should not pose a significant risk, if you experience discomfort or visual disturbances while driving, it may be wise to limit driving until you can discuss these symptoms with your eye doctor. Consider avoiding rough terrains and opting for smoother routes when possible.

3. Accidental Contact During Sleep: It’s common to inadvertently touch your eyes while sleeping. To minimize this risk, consider using a sleep mask or adjusting your sleeping position to avoid putting pressure on your eyes. If you find yourself frequently waking up with discomfort, it may be beneficial to consult with your doctor about protective measures.

4. Physical Activity and Excitement: Engaging in activities that elevate your heart rate, such as sexual activity, can lead to increased blood pressure and may cause transient changes in vision. While this is typically not harmful, if you have concerns about your heart rate or blood pressure affecting your eyes, it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

General Recommendations for Eye Health:
- Avoid High-Impact Activities: Given your history, it’s advisable to avoid activities that involve high impact or risk of trauma to the eyes, such as contact sports or heavy lifting.

- Protective Eyewear: If you engage in activities that could pose a risk to your eyes, such as certain sports or DIY projects, wearing protective eyewear is essential.

- Monitor Symptoms: Be vigilant about any changes in your vision, such as flashes of light, floaters, or a sudden decrease in vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (like vitamins A, C, and E) and omega-3 fatty acids, which can support overall eye health. Regular exercise, while avoiding high-impact activities, can also improve circulation and overall health.

- Regular Follow-ups: Continue with regular eye examinations as recommended by your ophthalmologist. These visits are crucial for monitoring the health of your retina and ensuring any potential issues are addressed promptly.

In conclusion, while certain activities may pose risks, many everyday actions can be safely performed with caution. Always communicate openly with your eye care provider about your concerns and follow their recommendations tailored to your specific situation. Your proactive approach to eye health is commendable, and with careful management, you can help protect your vision.

Best wishes for your eye health,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Eye Pressure: Activities That May Harm Your Eyes

Dear Dr. Gao, I have high myopia in both eyes (greater than -10.00 diopters) and astigmatism (greater than -3.00 diopters). Previously, I had retinal tears in both eyes, which were treated with laser photocoagulation three months ago. The doctor advised me to avoid rubbing my ey...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Due to your high myopia and history of retinal tears, it is essential to take special care to protect your eyes and avoid further issues. Here are some recommendations for avoiding pressure on the eyeball and protecting the retina: 1. Avoid rubbing your eyes: As your oph...

Understanding Thinning Retina: Risks and Exercise Recommendations

I recently had an eye examination and discovered a patch of my retina that has become lighter and yellowish. The first doctor recommended laser treatment, while the second doctor believed it was just thinning and that laser treatment was unnecessary, but advised me to avoid head ...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Based on your description, there should not be any immediate danger. Playing badminton and bending over to stretch while dancing should be fine. However, it is best to have regular check-ups and remain vigilant about any changes in your vision.

Understanding Retinal Health: Risks and Precautions for Myopia Patients

Hello, Doctor: 1. Can sudden anger and loud shouting cause retinal tears in patients with high myopia? I am concerned because my retina is very thin, and I fear that sudden anger could lead to a tear. 2. Besides avoiding intense exercise while taking lutein, what other precau...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. The situation in question 1 should not cause a retinal tear. 2. Eating a variety of vegetables, avoiding vigorous exercise, not rubbing the eyes, and using the eyes appropriately can help protect the retina. 3. Consuming lutein cannot prevent degeneration of the thinner...

Essential Eye Care: Regular Checkups and Important Tests for Vision Health

Hello, I have been nearsighted for the past five years, with my prescription ranging from -3.50 to -5.00 diopters, and I also have astigmatism (50, 100) and floaters. In my daily life, I can drive, read, and use electronic devices (which has a slight impact but is not severe). Du...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Question 1: Regarding your vision condition, it is recommended that you have an eye examination annually, which includes a refraction test and a fundus examination. Additionally, glaucoma and cataract screenings will be conducted during the visit, and you can discuss wit...