March 10, 2022
We often don’t think about our eyes when we exercise, but like many organs in our body, our eyes are happy when we do. Recent studies have shown that regular exercise can protect against the overgrowth of blood vessels and help prevent diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. And if you already have an eye disease, exercise can help you manage it better. Specifically, cardio exercise increases the flow of blood to the optic nerve and the retina. Vision problems and eye disease also stem from high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A healthy diet and regular exercise are two of the most important steps you can take to lower both.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. The optic nerve is the nerve connecting the eye to the brain, and damage from glaucoma is the result of high intraocular pressure. One study found that people who engaged in moderate physical exercise were 25% less likely than inactive people to develop glaucoma. In people who already have glaucoma, regular exercise can lower intraocular pressure and improve blood flow to the optic nerve.
Physical activity can also help people with diabetes keep their disease under control. It reduces the risk of complications, including diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue of the retina, the area in the back of the eye. Advanced cases of diabetic retinopathy may require laser treatment or surgery.
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes loss of central vision. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight. Macular degeneration causes thinning of the macula, which could lead to total blindness if not treated. A study examining the medical history of more than 3,800 people found that people who exercised three times a week were less likely to develop macular degeneration than those who didn’t exercise. Exercise may also protect against the overgrowth of blood vessels, which is the cause of wet macular degeneration.
The CDC, WHO, and American Heart Association all recommend 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. That’s equivalent to about 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. This can include walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and even active gardening.
Researchers studied two groups of mice: One group had access to an exercise wheel while the other group did not. After four weeks, the researchers treated the mouse eye with lasers to simulate the changes that occur in humans with age-related vision loss. After this treatment, physically active mice had up to 45% less eye damage than nonactive mice. The study suggests that exercise boosts the eye’s resilience.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. It describes itself as a “global community of 32,000 medical doctors who protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public.” Its website is a great resource to learn more about how to care for your eyes.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) describes itself as the leading authority on quality care and an advocate for our nation’s health, representing more than 44,000 Doctors of Optometry (O.D.), optometric professionals, and optometry students.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/exercise-may-slow-prevent-eye-disease-study-finds
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/your-eyes-a-window-to-your-health/
https://maculardegeneration.net/living/exercise
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20061030/exercise-may-protect-eyesight
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
You can schedule your routine eye exam online! This self-scheduling opportunity will enable a fast, flexible, and efficient check-in process for patients.