Regular exercise is a healthy way to burn calories and make your waistline slim. A recent study shows that exercise can stave off eye diseases such as macular degeneration that is the leading cause of vision loss to people that are beyond 50 years old.
There are previous claims that support the recent study saying exercise can prevent serious eye diseases including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The current study focuses on what are the effects of performing physical activity on the eye. On the other hand, past studies examine the risk of disease with people who exercise.
J. Kevin McKinney, an ophthalmologist and academy spokesperson, mentioned how the new study provides evidence and supports the findings and the relationship between exercise and the prevention of advanced macular degeneration.
These are the ways how exercise can help eye diseases:
- The risk of age-related cataracts is decreased by running or walking.
- You will less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration by exercising three or more times per week.
- In young adults with glaucoma, having moderate intensity and low impact exercise can help in reducing eye pressure.
How Exercise Can Promote Healthy Blood Vessels in the Eye?
In the research, they used two groups of mice. One group has an exercise wheel while the other one does not have one. The physically active mice after four weeks with treatment showed that they have 45% less eye damage than the mice who are non-active.
This experiment suggests that the eye’s resilience is boosted by exercise. The overgrowth of blood vessels can be protected with the help of exercise. Neovascular glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy are eye conditions where an overgrowth of blood vessels may occur.
With continuous research, scientists are still exploring the reason behind how the eye is being protected with exercise. When you already have an underlying disease, you can manage it with the help of exercise. For example, when you have diabetes, physical activity helps to reduce the risk of complications.
The Allotted Time for Exercise
Moderate exercise is suggested by the new study to be good for your health. The recommended time for moderate aerobic exercise per week is 150 minutes according to the CDC, WHO, and the American Heart Association. To divide it, it is 30 minutes per day and 5 days a week.
Physical activity includes walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, and active gardening. It is essential to be consistent in physical activity and regular eye check-ups to help you in keeping your eyes healthy.
