Shin Su-ji, eye redness while exercising... Is this a sign of a 'condition' where blood vessels burst?

Recently, Shin Suji posted a photo on her social media with the caption, "Did I really get bloodshot eyes from crushing my lower body?" In the photo, Shin Suji is sweating while working out. Her eyes, visibly bloodshot with prominent veins, evoked a sense of concern.

Redness appearing during exercise; if it persists, suspect glaucoma.

If the blood vessels in the eyes burst after handstands, CrossFit, strength training, or similar activities, it is likely a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This symptom can occur when excessive strain is applied to the body during exercise, causing an increase in intraocular pressure. Usually, the blood is absorbed into the eye and disappears over time, but if it does not resolve after 2 to 3 weeks, glaucoma should be suspected.

Glaucoma is a representative eye disease affected by intraocular pressure. When the optic nerve is damaged due to glaucoma, the visual field narrows, and it can lead to blindness, making it a dangerous condition. Therefore, if subconjunctival hemorrhage persists for a long time or if symptoms such as decreased vision, pain, or glare appear, you should promptly visit a hospital.

There is also a condition called "glaucoma suspicion," which refers to a state where glaucoma has not yet developed but there is a possibility of developing it. It is known that about 10% of people diagnosed with glaucoma suspicion progress to glaucoma within five years of diagnosis.

Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or suspect glaucoma, you should avoid exercises that put strain on your face and abdomen. It is known that during strength training, even exerting about 65% of your one-repetition maximum (1RM) can cause intraocular pressure to increase by more than 50%.

When doing strength training, avoid straining to the point of turning red or bulging veins in your neck. Exercises like handstands or sit-ups, as well as bench presses, which involve lifting heavy weights while lying down, are also prohibited. Instead, it is better to repeat low-weight exercises multiple times.

Light aerobic exercise is good to prevent increased intraocular pressure.

There is no need to blindly avoid exercise out of concern for intraocular pressure. Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation, which slows the damage to the optic nerve and helps maintain normal intraocular pressure. Aerobic exercises such as walking, running, cycling, and hiking are beneficial for maintaining intraocular pressure and protecting the optic nerve. However, swimming should be approached with caution, as wearing tight goggles or holding your breath for more than a minute can actually increase intraocular pressure.

You should also pay attention to improving your lifestyle habits. Sleeping face down, wearing tight neckties, or dressing in tight clothing can increase intraocular pressure. Nicotine from cigarettes and dehydration after alcohol consumption are also major factors that raise intraocular pressure. Caffeine can also increase blood pressure and affect intraocular pressure, so it should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, having a regular eye examination once a year can help detect undiagnosed eye diseases early and allow for prompt treatment.