Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 12: In a rare and alarming incident, a 26-year-old man suffered sudden, painless loss of vision in his right eye after an intense weightlifting session at the gym. Doctors later diagnosed the case as Valsalva Retinopathy, a condition caused by excessive strain during physical exertion.

The case, shared by an eye surgeon on social media, has gone viral, highlighting the hidden risks of heavy lifting and strength training. The man, who could not even count fingers with his right eye, was found to have a dense pre-retinal and vitreous haemorrhage — bleeding inside the eye — while his left eye remained unaffected.

Understanding Valsalva Retinopathy

Medical experts explain that Valsalva Retinopathy occurs due to a sudden rise in chest and abdominal pressure, which causes tiny retinal capillaries to rupture. This can happen during activities such as heavy lifting, coughing, vomiting, or even constipation. The resulting bleeding leads to temporary but significant vision impairment.

Diagnosis is made through detailed eye examination or imaging scans. In most cases, vision gradually recovers with proper medical supervision.

Treatment and recovery

Doctors initially considered a YAG laser procedure but opted for conservative management. Over six to eight weeks, the internal bleeding cleared naturally, and the patient’s vision fully returned. During recovery, he was advised to avoid strenuous workouts and activities that cause excessive strain.

Experts have urged gym-goers to maintain correct breathing techniques and avoid holding their breath while lifting heavy weights, warning that such strain can trigger serious eye complications.