CATARACTS AND EXERCISE

It is common to wonder how eye surgery or an eye condition will impact your fitness routine. While it’s important to stay active, some exercise may do more harm than good.

Here are general guidelines that may help you—but remember: Always ask your ophthalmologist before resuming any form of exercise.

Is it safe to exercise with cataracts?

Exercise will not make a cataract (cloudy natural lens inside your eye) worse. But a cataract that limits your vision can make it hard to exercise or play sports safely. If your cataract does not affect your vision, you can continue your normal physical activities.

Resuming a fitness routine after cataract surgery

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens that limits your vision. After the surgery, there are a few activity restrictions that help ensure a trouble-free recovery, including:

• No swimming. Water can cause infection or irritate the eye. Depending on your surgery, swimming (in any type of water) may be restricted for up to 4 weeks to protect the eye.
• No strenuous exercise. Large spikes in your heart rate can raise eye pressure, which can disturb healing of the eye.
• Avoid lifting weights or other heavy objects
• Don’t put your head below your waist, such as with yoga positions

Light aerobics like walking may be permitted soon after surgery. Be sure to wear wraparound sunglasses as your eye will be especially sensitive to light. Sunglasses also prevent dust and other irritants from entering the eye.

Your surgeon can tell you when you can resume more vigorous exercise. For more information on cataract surgery and best practices for a smooth recovery, contact Eye Associates of South Texas at (830) 379-3937. Source: aao.org