Is exercise dangerous for keratoconus patients? Keratoconus is an eye disease in which the cornea, the transparent layer in front of the eye, gradually thins and becomes conical. This change in shape can cause blurred vision, sensitivity to light and double vision. Exercising in keratoconus is very important for general health, but keratoconus patients should know that they should be very careful in choosing physical activities. Some sports may put pressure on the eye and accelerate the progression of the disease or even damage the cornea. In this article, we will examine prohibited sports as well as safe activities for people with keratoconus. Dear ones, you can make the best choice for the health of your eyes with full knowledge. Getting to know keratoconus and the importance of eye care Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye disease that often begins in the teenage years or early twenties. In this disease, the collagen tissue of the cornea, which is responsible for maintaining its shape and strength, is weakened and cannot withstand the pressure inside the eye properly. This weakness causes the cornea to bulge outwards and create a conical shape. The result of this deformation is the irregularity of the corneal surface and, finally, the blurred vision that cannot be completely corrected with regular glasses and requires special contact lenses or even surgery. Keratoconus patients should take more care of their eyes. Any pressure, impact or repeated irritation to the eye can damage the sensitive tissue of the cornea and aggravate the disease process. Therefore, it is very important to choose the type of sports activities to maintain the health of the cornea and prevent the rapid progression of the disease. **Read more: All about keratoconus** **Why are some sports harmful for keratoconus patients?** Certain sports activities can be harmful to keratoconus patients due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), risk of direct eye trauma, or severe vibrations. When the cornea is weakened and thin, it becomes more difficult for it to withstand these pressures. **Increased intraocular pressure (IOP):** Activities that cause a sudden and severe increase in pressure in the chest or abdomen (such as lifting heavy weights or straining) can also temporarily increase intraocular pressure. This increase in pressure can put extra pressure on the thin and vulnerable cornea and gradually change its shape. In medical terms, this situation is known as the Valsalva maneuver. In this situation, the person holds his breath and puts pressure on his stomach and chest. This pressure is transmitted in a chain to the blood vessels of the head and eyes and can be dangerous for the bent cornea. **Risk of direct impact to the eye:** In sports that involve physical contact, such as basketball, football, boxing or martial arts, the risk of direct impact to the eye is very high. For an already vulnerable cornea, even a relatively mild blow can have serious consequences, including corneal tears or worsening of the hunchback. This type of injury can lead to severe vision loss and the need for emergency medical interventions. **Vibration and shock:** Activities that cause severe body or head shaking can indirectly put pressure on the eyes. Such as high jumps, running on uneven surfaces or sports with sudden and impulsive movements. Although this type of pressure is less than direct impact, it can affect the thinned cornea in the long term and with repetition. **Prohibited and risky sports for keratoconus** To maintain eye health, keratoconus patients should avoid doing certain sports or do them with great caution and under the supervision of a doctor. This forbidden sport for the eyes includes the following: 1. **Combat and contact sports:** Boxing, karate, taekwondo, football, basketball, handball and any sport in which there is a possibility of direct impact to the face and eyes are not recommended for severe keratoconus patients. 2. **Heavy weight lifting and powerlifting:** Any activity that requires lifting heavy weights and applying extreme pressure to the body (such as the Valsalva maneuver) can increase intraocular pressure and damage the cornea. Therefore, strength training should be done with lighter weights and more repetitions, and with proper breathing and without holding the breath. This is very important in the discussion of mobility and cornea. 3. **Diving and deep diving:** Sudden pressure changes underwater and direct pressure of water on the eyes can be very harmful for the thinned cornea. These activities can cause damage to the cornea. Swimming at the surface with proper goggles is usually not a problem. 4. **Activities with high jumps or repeated blows to the head:** Sports such as gymnastics, trampoline, or even fast running on hard and uneven surfaces that lead to shaking and impact to the head should be done with extreme caution. These movements can cause shocks to the eyes that cause damage over time. 5. Sports activities in dusty or polluted environments: Although this does not directly damage the cornea, foreign particles entering the eye can rub the eye and irritate it. This rubbing is very harmful for the thinned cornea and can cause the disease to progress. **Safe and useful exercises for keratoconus patients** Fortunately, many physical activities are safe and even beneficial for keratoconus patients. Choosing these sports helps to strengthen the body and maintain general health, without causing any risk to the patient's eyes. - **Walking and running slowly:** These activities do not put a lot of pressure on the eyes and the risk of direct impact is negligible in them. Regular walking and jogging on flat surfaces are excellent options for maintaining cardiovascular health and fitness. - **Swimming (with swimming goggles):** Swimming is a low impact sport and great for the whole body. Using protective swimming goggles protects the eyes from direct contact with chlorinated water and any foreign particles. Avoid diving and opening your eyes underwater without goggles. - **Cycling (in a safe environment):** Cycling on smooth and safe paths, without the risk of falling or hitting the head, can be an enjoyable recreational and sports activity. It is recommended to use a helmet and protective glasses. - **Yoga and Pilates (with movement modification):** These sports help to strengthen body muscles, increase flexibility and reduce stress. However, head-down movements (such as headstands) and movements that cause breath holding and increased pressure should be avoided. The patient should inform the trainer about his condition so that he can modify the movements according to his condition. - **Light Aerobic Exercises:** Light aerobics, dancing, or using aerobic machines such as a treadmill (at a suitable speed), stationary bike, and elliptical are excellent options for maintaining fitness. - **Strength exercises with light weights:** Exercises with light weights and high repetitions, instead of heavy weights, help strengthen muscles without putting too much strain on the eyes. Always breathe properly while doing these exercises and avoid holding your breath. **The best doctor to treat keratoconus** **Important tips for exercising with keratoconus** To minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of exercise in keratoconus, it is necessary to observe the following points: - **Consultation with an ophthalmologist:** Be sure to consult your ophthalmologist before starting any new exercise program. The doctor will provide the best recommendations according to the severity of your illness. - **Using protective glasses:** In any sport where there is a possibility of particles hitting or entering the eyes (such as cycling or some low-risk ball sports), the use of sports protective glasses is recommended. - **Avoid rubbing the eyes:** Patients with keratoconus should strictly avoid rubbing the eyes. This can further thin the cornea and aggravate the disease. If your eye itches during exercise, instead of rubbing it, wash it with clean water or use eye drops as prescribed by your doctor. - **Listen to your body:** Stop the activity immediately whenever you feel pain, pressure or any discomfort in your eyes. These symptoms may mean too much pressure on the eyes. - **Proper hydration:** Drinking enough water during exercise is important to maintain the general health of the body and eyes. Dehydration can cause dry eyes and discomfort. - **Manage underlying conditions:** If you have other conditions that can affect your eye condition (such as allergies that cause itchy eyes), be sure to get them under control. **Read more: zero to one hundred treatments for dry eyes** **Conclusion** Living with keratoconus does not mean giving up sports activities, but requires smart and conscious choices. While some sports, such as heavy weight lifting, contact sports, and activities that lead to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure, may be considered traumatic for keratoconus patients, there are also safe and beneficial options that can help maintain the general and mental health of these people. Walking, swimming, cycling and yoga (with necessary modifications) are among the activities that are usually safe for keratoconus patients. These activities can be used as part of a healthy lifestyle. Always remember that consulting an ophthalmologist before starting any new exercise program, using eye protection when necessary, and listening to your body's signals are key to maintaining health and preventing disease progression. By following these points, keratoconus patients can confidently benefit from the countless benefits of physical activities and improve their quality of life.