Krav Maga training and retina issues

Posted by: tuxette

Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/17/05 03:50 AM

Has anyone else here train Krav Maga and has also been treated for tears in the retina (not detachment, though I'd like to hear those stories too)?

I've been told that I can continue training "all out" again once the laser treatments take hold and heal. I've also been told I should quit altogether... :-/
Posted by: ShikataGaNai

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/17/05 11:05 AM

wow. never heard of that one, but congratulations on your recovery. whoever told you to quit should probably quit giving advice. if it's worth it to you, never give up - only you should be the judge of when to throw the towel in.
Posted by: globetrotter

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/17/05 12:18 PM

if you are getting tears in the retina you should try to figure out why, and avoid it. do not mess around with your eyes.
Posted by: Tolyn1007

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/17/05 04:17 PM

Odd, I have retina tears also but they never tied it back to my training. Maybe I should talk to the doc again.
Posted by: tuxette

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 02:45 AM

The person who told me to quit is an ex-boxer/martial arts practitioner who had one hit in the eye too many (retinal detachment, blind in one eye). So he knows what he's talking about. I should have clarified this.
Posted by: tuxette

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 02:49 AM

If you have retina tears, then be careful about things like getting smacked in the head (that can loosen things up in there), and be sure to get them checked regularly to make sure you're not at risk of a detachment. You also have to watch out for the fingers in the eyes; I have to start looking for a good pair of sports goggles or something. Annoying task, but it must be done.

From what I understand, as long as you're vigilant, and aware of symptoms, and are good about going to the retina specialist regularly, it is possible to train full-contact sports like Krav Maga.
Posted by: tuxette

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 02:51 AM

I'm extremely nearsighted so that's why. My doc feels it's very unlikely that Krav Maga (or any other physical activity) has anything to do with it.
Posted by: ShikataGaNai

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 10:21 AM

i apologize for my rude belligerance.
*(pries foot out of mouth with kali stick)
Posted by: RangerG

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 11:40 AM

I'm a bit older than most of you folks...and I have never experienced or heard of this.. And I regularly stop punches with my face...
Posted by: tuxette

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 06:51 PM

You may regularly stop punches with your face...fine perhaps? Are you very nearsighted? Do you experience flashers or floaters? The latter will come with old age regardless of myopia, but certain activities may increase your risk of tears and/or detachment.

The general rule is "do what you do," but be aware of changes in your vision. If you suddenly get a lot of flashers or floaters, go to an eye specialist RIGHT AWAY.

Oh, diabetcs (type 1) are also at risk.
Posted by: retzef

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 07:20 PM

I have had some eye issues as well. I have incredibly good eyesight. But I have floaters in my eyes sometimes.. Looks like tadpoles swimming in your eyes. I am allowed to train but several times a year I go to a retinal specialist and get a flourizine(check spelling) dye test. Basically, they shoot carrot dye in your arm and then take pics of your eye and look for scar tissue. If there is new scar tissue I take it easy for a while and if it is stable or decreasing then I go about training as normal. If you "google" macular degeneration you can get more info.
Posted by: Tolyn1007

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 07:35 PM

I'm near sighted and because of the tears and retinal problems, see a specialist regularly. Because I teach and students don't always have the greatest control (particularly when you're trying to make the training as realistic as possible), I end up doing what RangerG does, doing a lot of face blocks. Talked to my doc and she said pretty much that if there are any changes to let her know and she'll take a look but my condition isn't related to my training.
Posted by: RangerG

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/18/05 11:37 PM

Quote:

students don't always have the greatest control (particularly when you're trying to make the training as realistic as possible), I end up doing what RangerG does, doing a lot of face blocks.




I have taken some of my worst hits from new students....
Posted by: tuxette

Re: Krav Maga training and retina issues - 11/19/05 06:39 AM

thanks to you and Tolyn for your responses! It's good to hear that one can still train with these issues, as long as one is vigilant. It's the times we have to take it easy that gets annoying.