Holding Breath While Lifting May Cause Glaucoma

Hey Sam. I'm a 32-year-old guy and I lift weights about three days a week. Last week I heard that there was some association between weightlifting and glaucoma. Do you know if this is true, or if this is a rumor? Thanks, Drew

Yes, a new study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology shows that holding your breath while lifting weights does increase intraocular pressure on the eye. Therefore, holding your breath is a risk factor for developing glaucoma.

The study, conducted by researchers in Manhattan, surveyed 30 men between the ages of 18 and 40 while performing the bench press, first while breathing in and out normally, and second while holding their breath. About 95% of the men who held their breath experienced increased eye pressure.

It's very important to exhale while lifting weights. To do this properly, inhale on the "recovery" portion of each lift and exhale on the "exertion" portion of the lift. This will reduce the amount of pressure which builds up in your head and in your eyes.

People should also use caution when engaging in exercises (such as various yoga poses) which require you to suspend yourself in an upside down position, as this may also increase intraocular pressure. --Sam