Whether it’s your daily exercise regimen at home, professional or leisure sports, or a physically demanding job, strenuous physical activity can have a significant impact. When you have certain eye conditions, have suffered an eye injury, or have undergone eye surgery, you should always ask your doctor before resuming exercise or sports. The following are some basic guidelines for your continued safety after an eye injury or surgery.* 

Exercise and retinal conditions 

Your retina is a light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of your eye. Certain retinal conditions, such as lattice degeneration and severe myopia, carry an increased risk of retinal detachment. Mild to moderate exercise is encouraged in people with retinal diseases, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol. Vigorous and jarring activities should be avoided, as they can cause an eye injury to occur. 

These include: 

• Contact sports, such as football, hockey, basketball, and soccer
• Combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, fencing, and martial arts
• Extreme sports, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, skiing, and rock climbing
• Gymnastics and other demanding sports, such as weightlifting and stunt skateboarding

If you receive your doctor’s permission to engage in sports like basketball, racquetball, or volleyball, make sure to wear protective eyewear to prevent injury. If you notice new symptoms, such as floaters, light flashes, or other changes in your vision, contact your ophthalmologist.

Exercise after retinal surgery

Following retinal surgery, the appropriate time to resume exercise and other activities will vary, so speak with your surgeon. Some general guidelines, however, are as follows:

• No strenuous exercise for the first two weeks after.
• No swimming, diving, or direct exposure of the eye to water for the first two weeks after surgery or eye injections.
• No flying, travel to high altitudes, or scuba diving after retinal surgery with a gas bubble until the gas bubble goes away.

Exercise and glaucoma

Moderate exercise is usually safe for people with glaucoma, as long as you are not straining, lifting, or bending, all of which can increase pressure inside your eye, further damaging your optic nerve. Avoid such yoga poses as “downward-facing dog” and “standing forward bend,” and do not hold your breath while lifting weights. 

Exercise after glaucoma surgery

Restrictions following glaucoma surgery can depend on the type of procedure you’ve had. There are generally few if any restrictions after laser surgery. Cautions immediately following trabeculectomy and tube implant surgery, however, are similar to those previously mentioned:

• No swimming, diving, or getting water directly in your eyes. 
• Avoid lifting, bending, or straining until cleared for those activities by your doctor. 
• Light exercise, such as walking or treadmill use, may be permitted if not jarring.

Exercise and cataract surgery

Exercise will not exacerbate cataracts, but after surgery to remove cataracts, certain restrictions will apply. 

• No swimming or diving for up to four weeks, to avoid eye infection and irritation. 
• No strenuous exercise, as it can raise eye pressure and prevent healing. 
• Avoid lifting weights or other heavy objects.
• Don’t bend or otherwise place your head below your waist.
• Walking and light aerobics may be permitted. Wear dark wraparound sunglasses when outdoors.

Exercise and LASIK surgery 

LASIK is a refractive surgery that typically involves a quick healing process, but to support the process and ensure your eye safety:

• Don’t swim or expose your eye to water for a minimum of two weeks after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for up to one month. As after cataract surgery, be sure to wear dark wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from light sensitivity, UV rays, and windblown debris.

Exercise after eye injuries

Injuries, such as corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, or globe rupture, leave your eye vulnerable to infection and further injury. After surgery, avoid all sports and forms of exercise, including swimming, to allow your eye to heal. 

All of the above are general guidelines. Speak with your ophthalmologist before engaging in any type of exercise or sports with an eye condition or following any eye-related procedures.

*Porter, D. (2021, Mar. 16). When to Resume Exercise After an Eye Surgery or Injury. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/resume-exercise-sports-after-eye-surgery-injury