How Exercise Helps Vision | Healthy Vision Month

May is Healthy Vision Month. While we all want healthy eyes, is there anything we can do to decrease the chances of eye diseases and keep our eyes healthy? It turns out there are several things we can do to promote eye health. One step we can take to maintain healthy vision is to exercise regularly.

We know exercise helps our heart, improves sleep, and helps with weight management. But it also plays a role in keeping our eyes healthy.
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The link between exercise and eye health 

Getting regular exercise lowers your risk of certain conditions, such as heart disease. But research is showing that exercise may also ward off certain types of eye diseases.

The reason why exercise helps promote healthy vision may be because exercise improves circulation throughout the body. Improved circulation means more blood flow. Good blood flow to the eyes increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to your eyes.

Plus, certain eye diseases are associated with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But getting regular exercise may help prevent both. Exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of diabetes and vision complications. 
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What the science says

Various studies have indicated that exercise is a good way to decrease your risk of eye diseases. An animal study in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that exercise acts as a protective mechanism against certain eye diseases. It may also prevent the overgrowth of blood vessels, which occurs with age-related macular degeneration.

Another study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found that moderate walking and running regularly were associated with reductions in the development of cataracts. 

Exercise may be more than just preventative when it comes to eye diseases. In some cases, exercise can slow the progression of an eye condition a person already has. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, one study found that moderate exercise decreases the rate of visual field loss in people with glaucoma by 10 percent. In addition, a different study indicated that aerobic exercise at a brisk pace for about 45 minutes three to four times a week reduced intraocular pressure. 
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How much exercise do you need? 

Any exercise is better than no exercise, but if you want to gain the most benefits, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise about five times a week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breaking down exercise into smaller chunks spread out over the week also works.

Any type of aerobic exercise, such as jogging, dancing, and brisk walking, will get your heart rate up and improve blood flow to the body. 
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Tips for getting started

If you are trying to get started with an exercise program, consider the suggestions below.

Find something you enjoy: Exercise does not have to be something you dread. Try different types of activities to see what you like best. It may take a little trial and error to find what you enjoy, but stick with it! There are all types of exercise programs.

Start slow: Don’t go overboard when you first start exercising. You want to avoid hurting yourself, which can derail your plan.

Enlist a buddy: Sometimes, it is helpful to work out with a friend. You may be more likely to stay on track if someone else is counting on you.

Pencil it in: One of the biggest excuses for not exercising is a lack of time. Make your workouts fit. Save time by working out at home. Keep workouts to 20 minutes at a time. Pencil your exercise session in just like you would a work appointment.

We hope the above information gives you one more reason to get regular exercise. If you have any questions about eye health, we are happy to help. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.