Paranoid About Retinal Detachment?

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OrangeStars88
OrangeStars88 Posts: 13
in Fitness and Exercise
:indifferent:

I'm wondering who here has high myopia (nearsightedness).

I have a prescription of -6.5 in each eye. (Closer to -7.0, but the -6.5 contacts are more comfortable)

Anywho, my eye doc said he has a patient that has -10 prescription and sent her to a retinal specialist to clear her for a marathon, since the doc cleared her, I should be okay to run (if on dirt).

Since the other lady has much thinner retinas than I do, should I be as paranoid as I am about by eyes?

Are there any of you who practice low-impact exercises for this reason?

Replies

  • whitebalance
    whitebalance Posts: 1,654 Member
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    Minus 4-5 here and have never given it the slightest thought. Why not just call and ask your optometrist though? Peace of mind is good.
  • SJ46
    SJ46 Posts: 407 Member
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    One of my children is at an increased risk for retinal detachment, since he is legally blind in one eye a retinal detachment in the other eye can be catastrophic. The only activities we have been told that he should not perform are activities that have an increased risk of having a blow to the head (martial arts, football, butting the head in soccer, etc).

    To get the best answer, that is accurate for you, I would see an ophthalmologist and get their advice.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
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    -6 and I ran through high school.

    Had laser surgery my sophomore year and then did a the Bataan Death march. I'm fine.

    But this....
    To get the best answer, that is accurate for you, I would see an ophthalmologist and get their advice.
    is the best answer.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
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    Perhaps that other person had other risk factors, and that is why she needed to be cleared?

    I agree with SJ46 check with an Ophthalmologist.
  • Flab2fitfi
    Flab2fitfi Posts: 1,349 Member
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    -8.5 and they knew I was wearing them to run in and no problems.
  • LVCeltGirl
    LVCeltGirl Posts: 473
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    -7 both eyes here and the only recommendation that the Dr. gave me was to continue to have regular exams to catch retinol detachment early. Being overweight (or more the diseases that often are in conjunction with being overweight like diabetes and high blood pressure) can also be the culprit which is another reason why it was suggested to have regular exams to catch it early.

    I'd say talk to the Dr. and make sure it's okay (it probably is but isn't it better to have a definite answer).
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,179 Member
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    -7 on one eye, -6 on the other and have been exercising regularly for about 20 years. Used to spend hours at the gym, for high impact aerobics and strength training when younger, have been running on and off for 20 years. No dr has ever mentioned any increased risk to me. I was under the impression that retinal detachment risk increases with age, regardless of what activities you do.
  • kolohekidd
    kolohekidd Posts: 5
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    I have -4.5 and last year found that i had small tears on my retina, had laser surgery and never had a problem since. I just visit my doctor regularly and i dont worry about it.
  • OrangeStars88
    OrangeStars88 Posts: 13
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    Thanks for your thoughtful replies. I get paranoid about these things from time to time, so I'm glad you guys are here for moral support. The eye doc said that since the other lady with -10 prescription and much thinner retinas could run, I should be okay as long as I come in for regular screenings (which I always do).


    :bigsmile:
  • OrangeStars88
    OrangeStars88 Posts: 13
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    Perhaps that other person had other risk factors, and that is why she needed to be cleared?

    I agree with SJ46 check with an Ophthalmologist.

    My doc said she had much thinner retinas than I, and if she was cleared, I should be fine as well.
  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
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    -12 in both eyes and have run 12 marathons and 2 50 mile ultras. No problems, other than being half blind anyway. :glasses:
  • uconnwinsnc
    uconnwinsnc Posts: 1,054 Member
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    I'm more concerned about keeping up my fat detachment than worrying about retinal detachment. No doctor has ever told me I am at risk though, so...I never even think about it.

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