It's no secret that exercise is good for your overall health, but did you know it can also benefit your eye health? That's right – regular exercise can do more than just help you lose weight and build muscle. Here are 5 surprising eye health benefits of regular exercise:
Reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that affects people over the age of 50. It causes damage to the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of AMD by up to 70%. Exercise improves blood flow and oxygen to the eyes, which helps to keep the macula healthy and functioning properly. Why not pair your daily exercise with some MacuShield, these supplements help to protect from sight loss and maintain normal vision. Click here to view the MacuShield range.
Lowers the risk of glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Regular exercise can lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a major risk factor for glaucoma. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have a 25% lower risk of developing glaucoma than those who don't exercise.
Improves tear production
Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Regular exercise can improve tear production by increasing blood flow to the tear ducts and promoting the production of natural tears. This can help to relieve dry eye symptoms and improve overall eye comfort. Eye Lounge has an extensive list of eye drops that are perfect in combination with daily exercise, to soothe irritation and discomfort.
Helps to prevent cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye that can cause vision loss. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts by up to 40%. Exercise helps to reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to cataract formation. It also helps to improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to the lens, which can help to keep it healthy and functioning properly.
Reduces the risk of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. It can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy by improving blood sugar control and reducing inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that people with diabetes who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing diabetic retinopathy than those who don't exercise.
Therefore, regular exercise is not only good for your overall health but can also benefit your eye health in many ways. It can help to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, as well as improve tear production and overall eye comfort. So, if you want to keep your eyes healthy and functioning properly, make sure to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. It doesn't have to be anything extreme – even a brisk walk or bike ride can make a difference. Your eyes will thank you for it!