Exercise for Eyes and Vision

You already know that 30 minutes of physical exercise a day can benefit your heart, your waistline and your energy level. But it can also help your eyes tremendously. Many eye diseases are linked to other health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Exercise can help keep these problems at bay or limit their impact if they do occur.

Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly were less likely to develop serious eye disease. In one study, researchers followed more than 5,600 men and women to see if there was a link between moderate exercise and ocular perfusion pressure, an important factor in the development of glaucoma. People who participated in moderate physical exercise were 25 percent less likely to develop glaucoma than people who were mainly inactive.

In another study, researchers looked at the medical history of more than 3,800 people to see if there was a relationship between developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and being physically inactive. The scientists found that people who exercised three times a week were less likely to develop AMD than people who didn't exercise.

If you already have a disease, exercise can help you manage more effectively. One example is that physical activity can help people with diabetes keep their disease under control. The risk of complications are reduced, including diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss among middle aged adults.

The good news about exercise is that you don't have to be a tri-athlete to reap the benefits. Taking a brisk walk, climbing the stairs and dancing are all great ways to get a good work out that will help you and your eyes stay healthy.