Regular exercise can reduce risks for eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. A recent study on eye health in 2016 found results that show the number of people who are visually impaired or blind will double by 2050. These levels are on the rise all over the world and maintaining vision and eye health has never been more important.
A strong combination of healthy diet and exercise won’t necessarily cure eye disease but can absolutely help preserve vision. The relationship between vision and health can be symbiotic or antagonistic. For example, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina leading to diabetic retinopathy. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are also two main sources of vision problems and diseases. However, regular exercise can help combat hypertension can lead to a decreased risk of eye disease.
Exercise
Moderate intensity and low impact exercise can decrease risks for eye conditions by decreasing high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Diseases such as cataracts, wet age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma show studies that lack of physical activity can increase risks of these diseases.
While there is a correlation between developing diseases and bang physically inactive, increasing physical activity can slow the development of diseases. Exercise can improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve. Consistency is key as being active can lower intraocular pressure. However, once a regular program is stopped, the intraocular pressure will return to prior levels.
Lower your risk
Running or walking can decrease the risk of cataracts. Exercising three or more times a week can decrease the risk of wet age-related macular degeneration. Moderate intensity, low impact exercises can reduce eye pressure for glaucoma patients.
Plan
Schedule in workouts to create a regular habit. It can be easy to overwork yourself or flake out on going to the gym so creating a well-thought-out weekly schedule before the week starts can definitely help. You can make a difference in your health by making time and taking the effort to improve your lifestyle. Keep motivated and regular by inviting a friend to join you in a communal workout class. Join communities that encourage your wellness and physical activity to keep it moving.
Small steps
Whether it’s dancing, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking further from your front door, keep mindful that every step counts. Taking a mindful walk can help calm your system as well as your mind even if it’s just around the block. Remember, improving your overall health has impacts on your vision and vice versa. Resting your eyes from books and computer screens can give your body a rest and reduce eye strain.
Make regular appointments with your eye doctor
Seeing an eye professional in person is important to make sure you are up to date with your eye prescription. Schedule comprehensive eye exams regularly to monitor your eye health. Ophthalmologists do more than check your vision. The retina, optic nerve, and eye pressure are all things the ophthalmologist checks for hidden problems. Eye conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts can be caught in the early stages by having annual eye check-ups with your local optometrist.
