Most of us know that regular exercise is essential for a healthy body, but did you know that staying active can also help protect and preserve your eyesight?
Your eyes, like the rest of your body, may benefit from having effective blood circulation around your body, reduced inflammation and balanced blood sugar levels—all of which can be supported through regular physical activity.
Here is how regular exercise can support eye health as we age.
Reduces the risk of eye diseases
Studies have shown that regular exercise can help lower the risk of common eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. Exercise helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar and reduce cholesterol levels, all of which are linked to eye health.
Improves blood circulation to the eyes
Physical activity increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the eyes. This improved circulation helps deliver oxygen and essential nutrients to eye tissues, keeping them healthy and reducing the risk of retinal damage.
Reduces eye strain and fatigue
In our digital world, many of us spend hours in front of screens, leading to digital eye strain. Regular movement and exercise can help reduce overall fatigue and improve focus, reducing the discomfort caused by prolonged screen use.
Supports overall well-being
Exercise has well-documented benefits for mental health, reducing stress and improving sleep. Since stress and poor sleep can contribute to eye strain, headaches and blurry vision, maintaining an active lifestyle can have indirect benefits for your eyes as well.
Best Exercises for Eye Health
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to reap the vision benefits of exercise. Here are some accessible and effective ways to get moving:
- Walking or jogging is great for cardiovascular health, which directly benefits eye health
- Yoga, Pilates and stretching improves blood circulation and may help to reduce muscle tension and stress
- Strength training can support overall health and help regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for preventing diabetic eye disease
- Cycling, swimming or hiking can provide fresh air and natural light, which supports eye health and reduces the risk of developing eye conditions like myopia, which is associated with increased screen time
Small changes for big impact
If you have a sedentary lifestyle, start by incorporating small changes such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, stretching during screen breaks or going for a short walk after meals. Every little bit of movement contributes to your overall well-being—including your eye health.
Remember, if you ever have questions or concerns about your vision, the best source of advice is your trusted optometrist.
You can use our Find an Optometrist search tool to locate your local optometrist and book an appointment today.
