Exercise And Vision: What's The Connection?  

You know that getting regular exercise is important for many aspects of your health – but did you know that getting your blood pumping can positively affect your vision? Here, we'll explore the connection between exercise and vision, and why pushing your body to get fit can help keep your eyes healthy.

Reduced Risk of Glaucoma

Researchers aren't completely sure why exercise and glaucoma are related - but there's a connection. Two large studies have shown that people who engage in regular physical exercise are less likely to develop glaucoma than those who are sedentary.

Reduce Effects of Glaucoma

For people who have already been diagnosed with glaucoma, exercise has been shown to reduce the effects of the disease. Moderate exercise (like walking three times each week) can improve the body's blood flow to the retina and the optic nerve and can reduce pressure in the eye, lessening the symptoms of glaucoma. In conjunction with a vision care plan from an eye doctor, regular exercise can make it significantly easier to live with glaucoma.

Reduced Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Many people experience age-related macular degeneration over time. Studies have shown that people who are physically inactive are more likely to experience this condition than people who report getting regular exercise.

Reduce Potential Effects of Diabetes

For people who have been diagnosed with diabetes, it's especially important to closely manage lifestyle, diet, and exercise choices that can affect health. Vision issues are a potential complication of diabetes. Exercise can help people who have been diagnosed with diabetes to reduce the risk of complications, including vision issues.

Exercise and Your Eyes: Healthy Vision Tips

If you want to increase your physical activity to lower your risk of vision conditions, or to help with already-existing glaucoma, there's good news: you don't have to suddenly become a fitness guru to reap the benefits of regular exercise.

Exercising at a moderate intensity for as little as 20-30 minutes, three times a week, can go a long way in improving your eye health. Going for a walk, chasing your kids or grandkids, jogging with your dog, or even attending a virtual yoga class all count towards improving your physical activity. If you decide to exercise outside, be sure to wear proper eye protection to keep your vision save from UV rays.

If you're not sure whether it's safe for you to participate in physical activity due to health conditions, be sure to reach out to your health care provider to get approval before you begin an exercise program.