When can I exercise after tube shunt surgery?

General information about typical recovery, not medical advice. Every eye and every surgery is different, and your surgeon's instructions override anything on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

Short answer

Light walking is often allowed early. Strenuous exercise waits for clearance, and the Glaucoma Research Foundation says avoid strenuous activity for at least one week.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology guidance for trabeculectomy and tube implants says light exercise such as walking or a treadmill may be permitted, while lifting, bending, and straining are avoided until your doctor clears you. Confirm with your own surgeon before starting anything, including walking.

The Glaucoma Research Foundation says heavy lifting and other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least one week after glaucoma surgery, and notes that heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity can increase eye pressure.

Longer term, ask your surgeon about two categories. Head down positions such as some yoga poses raise eye pressure and are usually held longer. And contact sports and anything with impact risk deserve a permanent conversation, because a plate and tube are attached to the wall of your eye and EyeWiki lists tube erosion and device migration among possible late complications. Protective eyewear may be recommended indefinitely.

When	Typical guidance
First week	GRF says avoid strenuous activity for at least one week. Gentle walking only if your surgeon agrees.
Weeks 2 to 6	AAO says light exercise may be permitted, but no lifting, bending, or straining until cleared.
Long term	Discuss contact sports and eye protection with your surgeon. The device stays in your eye for life.

Call your surgeon now if you notice any of these

An eye that is red, painful, or just does not feel right. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says to call your ophthalmologist immediately, because this could be a sign of infection that must be treated right away. BrightFocus Foundation notes infection can occur months to years after the operation, so this rule does not expire.
Sudden decrease or loss of vision
Pain that is increasing rather than easing, or pain not relieved by your prescribed drops
Thick, colored, or sticky discharge, or eyelids sticking shut
New double vision, or double vision that is getting worse
A feeling that something is poking through the surface of the eye over the tube, or a red sore spot right over the tube, which can signal tube erosion. EyeWiki says this requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent endophthalmitis.
New flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, or a curtain or shadow across your vision
Severe brow ache, halos around lights, or nausea, which can go with a large rise in eye pressure

These warning signs after tube shunt surgery can point to problems that need same-day care. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. If you cannot reach your surgeon's office, use their on-call line, or go to an emergency room.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; BrightFocus Foundation; EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology; Glaucoma Research Foundation

Sources

When to Resume Exercise After an Eye Surgery or Injury American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Incisional Surgery for Glaucoma Glaucoma Research Foundation. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Glaucoma Surgery: What To Expect Glaucoma Research Foundation. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Glaucoma Drainage Devices EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.

When can I exercise after tube shunt surgery?

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