As you get older, keeping your eyes as healthy as possible is essential to staying independent and living life to the fullest. Here are just a few reasons that developing healthy habits now will benefit your eye health later.
Being Physically Active Improves Your Health
While many factors go into achieving optimal eye health, staying physically active is at the top of the list for helping prevent vision loss from a range of medical conditions. Individuals who exercise regularly and stay physically active are at a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These conditions can cause side effects, including diabetic retinopathy. If you have these conditions already, follow your doctor’s treatment plan to keep them under control.
Reduces Risk of Developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Researchers have found that people who exercise at least three times a week had a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Exercise helps improve blood circulation and the level of oxygen in your blood, which is delivered to all parts of your body, including your eyes. Better circulation and more oxygen in your blood help provide your eyes with the nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Lower Risk of Developing Glaucoma
While researchers are not entirely sure of why, people who exercise regularly have a 25% lower risk of developing glaucoma than people who are inactive. If you already have glaucoma, engaging in moderate exercise three times a week can lower your intraocular pressure (IOP) and improve blood flow to your optic nerve and retina.
Simple Physical Activities is All it Takes
The good news about staying active to help maintain your eye health is that you don’t have to be a world athlete or marathon runner. Engaging in physical activities can be as simple as climbing stairs instead of using an elevator, going dancing, or taking a brisk walk to get your blood pumping.
While staying active is essential to maintaining eye health, so are yearly eye exams. Call Valley Eyecare Center at (602) 955-2700 to schedule your next eye exam.
