I want to take BJJ (Brazilian jiu-jitsu) classes and I wonder if it will cause any problems to my eyes?
APR 03, 2017
Question:
I have progressive myopia with eyesight of -7. I want to take BJJ (Brazilian Ju-Jitsu) classes, and I wonder if it will cause any problems to my eyes? With BJJ, you have wrestling, chokes, and submissions. But will it directly hurt my eyes?
Answer:
I for one, would never consider anything that involves choking or other possible bodily harm, but to answer your question, I would advise a full and complete retinal examination by a retinal specialist to make certain you have no undetected weak spots in your retina. If you do, they need to be treated whether you go forward with BJJ or not.
Assuming you do not have any retinal issues other than the -7 risk factor, I would advise wearing eye protective devices. Any highly nearsighted person is at greater risk of retinal problems than the rest of the public and -7.00, though not extremely high, is certainly within the group of higher risk.
Blunt trauma, like a finger in the eye or blow to the head, can be a serious problem to any eye and can cause retinal tears and retinal detachments. You may recall the plight of Sugar Ray Leonard, the boxer, and his retinal detachments or NBA star Dave Bing and his retinal detachment.