Can Exercise Improve Your Eyesight and Eye Health?
Researchers have projected that the number of people who suffer from visual impairment or blindness is likely to double in the next 30 years. This is a shocking statistic, and can plant a seed of worry even within those who have great vision. But the positive side of this conversation is that preventing many vision problems and eye diseases is actually within grasp.
So if you’ve been wondering, “Does exercise improve vision?” - keep reading to learn why the answer is yes, and what you can do to take control of your eye health.
Fewer Eye Problems
There have been countless studies done in the last decade the prove the connection between regular exercise and healthier eyes. The main reason is that, when you exercise consistently, you improve your overall health which improves circulation and assists your body in getting more oxygen where it needs it most. Simply increasing the efficiency, blood flow and oxygen flow in your body gets more nutrients to the eyes and helps to boost eye health in numerous ways.
Furthermore, research has shown that people with healthy bodies tend to experience fewer eye issues like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. These problems can be very detrimental, even possibly leading to blindness, so the more you can do to prevent them from cropping up in the first place - the better.
Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases
When you exercise regularly, you also limit your odds of getting some diseases like diabetes, which can ultimately damage your blood vessels or lead to blindness. There are even more vision issues that can arise from health problems like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Keeping your weight in check can go a long way in preventing your likelihood of getting these diseases and the associated eye problems that can accompany them.
Nutrition Rounds out the Picture of Health
Exercise is a big part of the equation for improved eye health, and nutrition is the other piece to remember. Not only are carrots beneficial for your eyes, as many people know, but dark leafy greens (like kale or spinach) and omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon or tuna) are also known to increase the health of your eyes and contribute to better vision.
The biggest takeaway is that eating well and exercising are key to better health overall, and there’s even more reason to commit to a healthy lifestyle. It’s been proven that diet and exercise to improve eyesight are positively linked. Start small, incorporating a 30-minute walk daily and adding in one or two nutritive veggies per day and you’ll already start experiencing the benefits. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an eye exam today.