The Top Benefits of Exercise for the Eyes
We all know that exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle. It helps us stay in shape and reduce our risk for serious diseases. But, there’s one other benefit you might not know about – and that’s better eye health and vision. Don’t believe us? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of exercise for the eyes.
Reduced Risk for Eye Disease
Studies suggest that there’s a connection between regular exercise and a reduced risk for certain eye conditions. This includes glaucoma, cataracts, and wet age-related macular degeneration. These conditions can cause impaired vision and permanent vision loss. By walking and exercising several times a week, you’ll be more likely to enjoy better vision later in life. Even though maintaining an active lifestyle can help reduce risk, it’s not a guarantee. Many vision issues can be caused by a variety of other factors, including genetics. To learn more about your individual risk and other preventive measures you can take, talk to your eye doctor.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
A lack of exercise and obesity are major contributing causes of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Diabetes makes it hard for your body to either produce or process insulin, which is an important hormone that regulates blood sugar. Diabetes can lead to several vision-related complications. For example, high blood sugar levels can cause blurry vision. On a long-term scale, diabetes can also cause permanent eye damage.
This is because, over time, important blood vessels in the retina become damaged and deteriorate. This is a condition called diabetic retinopathy. In addition, T2D is also known to cause cataracts, glaucoma and other conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help prevent T2D and all of its potential vision complications.
Less Eye Strain
The more time we spend in front of screens, the more strain we’re putting on our eyes. Digital devices, like cell phones and computers, emit something called blue light. Blue light puts more pressure on the retina, causing eye fatigue, soreness, and dryness. These issues affect anyone who uses screens on a regular basis, but a sedentary lifestyle can make you more susceptible. Try to put down your devices and turn off the TV as often as you can. Instead, go for a walk or head to the gym to enjoy the benefits of exercise for the eyes.
Exercise Your Way to Healthy Vision
Physical exercise has a large influence on our vision, especially as we get older. If you’re not doing so already, take the time to work out a few times a week. Whether you like cardio or strength training, anything that gets your heart rate up is beneficial. There’s even exercise for the eyes that you can try out. For example, move your eyes around in a circular motion to get the muscles moving. Above all, be sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep each night, too.
For more tips about caring for your eyes, schedule an appointment at Looking Glass Optical in Pasadena, MD. You can schedule one online or give us a call at (410) 768-0202. We are happy to help.
