What caused a 26-year-old’s sudden vision loss during weightlifting in gym? | WATCH

India: A 26-year-old man experienced sudden, painless vision loss in his right eye after heavy weight lifting at the gym, according to The Times of India report, highlighting a rare but serious risk associated with strenuous exercise.

According to an eye surgeon who shared the case online, the man was unable to count fingers with his right eye, while his left eye remained unaffected. Examination revealed a dense pre-retinal and vitreous haemorrhage, leading to a diagnosis of Valsalva retinopathy.

What is Valsalva retinopathy?

Valsalva retinopathy is a type of retinal haemorrhage caused by a sudden increase in chest and abdominal pressure. The pressure is transmitted to the venous system, including the veins in the eyes, causing small retinal capillaries to rupture and leading to a preretinal haemorrhage.

Causes and diagnosis

The condition typically results in painless vision loss following activities that involve straining, such as heavy lifting, coughing, vomiting, constipation, or even sexual activity. Diagnosis is usually made through patient history, fundus examination, or an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan.

Treatment and recovery

Treatment often depends on the severity of the haemorrhage. Conservative management may allow the blood to clear on its own, while procedures such as YAG laser hyaloidotomy can be used in certain cases. Doctors also recommend avoiding strenuous activity and addressing any underlying health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

In this case, the medical team opted for conservative treatment. Over six to eight weeks, the haemorrhage resolved naturally, and the patient’s vision returned to normal. During recovery, he was advised to refrain from heavy-straining exercises.