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Deadlift Causes Sudden Vision Loss
14 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Man experienced immediate vision loss in one eye after a deadlift.
- Diagnosis: Valsalva retinopathy due to increased intrathoracic pressure.
- Vision fully recovered within six to eight weeks with conservative management.
A patient experienced an abrupt onset of vision impairment in one eye directly following a deadlift exercise. His visual acuity in the affected eye was significantly reduced, while the other eye remained unaffected. Medical examination revealed a dense hemorrhage over the macula, consistent with Valsalva retinopathy.
This diagnosis stems from a rapid rise in intrathoracic pressure during the Valsalva maneuver, which led to the rupture of tiny blood vessels in the retina. Although a dense hemorrhage caused considerable visual disturbance, conservative management was pursued.
Remarkably, the patient's vision improved to normal levels within six to eight weeks as the hemorrhage cleared spontaneously. He received guidance to refrain from excessive straining during his workouts, underscoring the generally good prognosis for Valsalva retinopathy.
