Exercise for Eye Health

Photo via optislim blog

We know you don’t need another reason for exercising but we’re giving you one anyway! It has been proven that exercise can enhance your eye health! Of course, this isn’t too surprising since your eyes are just another part of your body. But it has been scientifically proven that what is good for the rest of your body is good for your eyes.

Here are some of the results from the two studies that show exercise and eye health go hand in hand.

• Researchers followed more than 5,600 men and women to determine if there was a link between moderate exercise and ocular perfusion pressure. Ocular perfusion pressure is a contributing factor in the development of glaucoma. The subjects who partook in moderate exercise were 25 percent less likely to develop glaucoma than people who were inactive.

• Researchers looked at the medical history of more than 3,800 people to evaluate if there is a relationship between developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a lack of physical activity.  The data indicated that people who exercised three times a week were less likely to develop AMD than people who didn’t exercise.

Research information via the American Academy of Ophthalmology website.

It is important to establish healthy habits at a young age; make exercise a priority for your family, and make it fun! Enjoy hiking, biking or just throwing a ball around. The key is to just be active – you don’t have to train for a marathon.  And always remember to put sunglasses and sun block on everyone when you head outside for some fresh air and exercise.