I am 52 years old, and have had extreme myopia since 3rd grade. -9.0 strength for contact lens prescription.
I started experiencing flashes of light in my left eye 3 days ago. I went to have a complete retinal exam yesterday. No tears or detachment noted, but I will be seen again in 8 days for follow up.
I was advised to do no exerting exercises like tennis, jogging, etc. I asked about weight training as I do a pretty strong workout, which has successfully helped me shed 150 lbs. I currently leg press 175 lbs, back lat pulls in the 95-110 lb range. Squats with total weight of 100-120 lbs. I was told to take it easy for now.
My question is will I be able to continue to do weight training, and if so what should the modifications be? Can I lower the weight and do more reps and still not subject myself to extra risk of retinal detachment? I hope the recommendation is not to avoid it all together. While the fear of retinal detachment is frightful, the idea that my lifestyle will be severely altered is the most depressing, as I do not want to put the weight back on.
Can you please advise on the exercise regime? What other things besides roller coasters, sky diving, should be avoided. Does extensive reading or computer use present any additional risk?
Also while my risk is 1 in 20 for retinal detachment as opposed to 1 in 10,000 for non risk population, is it possible I will never experience a complete retinal tear or detachment in my life? Thanks in advance for your help.