The Effects of Physical Activity on Your Eyes

Maintaining a healthy body via exercise (and nutrition) is essential for a long and happy life, but did you know that moderate exercise may also benefit your eyes? Recent years have seen an explosion in study interest in this field.

Consistent physical activity has long been recognized for the positive effects it has on one’s cardiovascular health and general well-being, and now it is also being linked to a possible shielding effect on one’s eyes. New research are bolstering the recommendations for regular exercise, even though scientists still don’t fully understand how exercise protects the human eye.

Increased intraocular pressure is the most common cause of glaucoma, an eye illness that damages the optic nerve. A person’s age, race, and family history are all potential contributors to the onset of glaucoma. Recent studies have shown that exercise, through promoting neuroprotection and neurorecovery, may have an effect on ocular pressure/glaucoma. Physical activity not only reduces intraocular pressure but also increases blood flow to the optic nerve, which may help protect it and promote the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers.
Physical activity is well-established as a critical component of diabetes care. The risk of problems from diabetic retinopathy, particularly the more severe variety when bleeding occurs, may be reduced by increasing blood flow, according to scientists. High rates of visual impairment, particularly in individuals of working age, may be associated with this type of diabetes and diabetic macular edema.

Reducing your A1c by diet and exercise is still the best defense against diabetes-related eye problems. Talk to your eye doctor about your options if you’ve had permanent vision loss or impairment due to diabetic eye disease. If they feel you need further support to maintain your independence due to vision loss, they may suggest a vision rehabilitation professional or local organization.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is another prevalent condition affecting the elderly that may disrupt blood flow and cause retinal hemorrhage. Spots in the center of your field of vision or complaints that straight lines look wavy and warped are indications of wet age-related macular degeneration, which may make it difficult to read.

Most patients will need on-going injections into the eye to stop the bleeding and prevent the development of new blood vessels. Signs of dry age-related macular degeneration include a diminished ability to perceive color and discern small details. Central vision distortion and blurring may occur.

Around eighty percent of those who are told they have AMD will really have dry AMD. Physical activity has been suggested as a means of retarding or preventing the onset of age-related macular degeneration. There are other key dietary components that have been shown to delay development.

How much physical activity is optimal? The American Heart Association suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, although the precise amount needed for good eye health is unknown (which could be 30 minutes, 5 days a week).

A brisk stroll, a bike ride, a swim, or even a dance party might all qualify as enjoyable and accessible physical activities. Work in the yard, such as gardening, mowing the grass, or raking leaves, may also be counted. Persistence is the key. Exercise regularly to safeguard your health and vision.