How Exercise Boosts Your Eye Health
It’s no secret that a daily dose of exercise can work wonders for your heart, mind and general physical health. But did you know your eye health can also benefit from a fitness boost?
Healthier eyes are the unexpected bonus to breaking a sweat that might just provide that extra push to get your muscles moving.
Exercise and eye health
Your eyes are demanding organs that need a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to function at their best. When you get moving, whether it’s a brisk walk around the park or a vigorous tennis match, your blood circulation shifts into a higher gear.
This boost in blood flow supports the function of your muscles and delivers more oxygen and nutrients, helping to maintain healthy eyes and ward off common eye conditions.
How exercise supports eye health
Regular exercise reduces the pressure inside your eyes (intraocular pressure). This pressure reduction is brilliant for fighting off glaucoma. Better blood flow increases the amount of oxygen the optic nerve receives, strengthening the network of blood vessels in your eyes.
For anyone managing diabetes, exercise can help fight back against diabetic retinopathy – a condition where high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. Physical activity helps keep your blood sugar levels in check, which is a big win for protecting your vision.
Anyone who loves staying active is less likely to develop macular degeneration, a condition that develops as you age and affects your central vision. Exercise helps by reducing inflammation, delivering nutrients to the macula—responsible for your central vision—and keeping blood pressure and sugar levels steady.
That’s the science bit done! Now let’s take a quick look at which exercises can help your eyes reap the benefits of regular physical activity.
Exercises for eye health
The good news? You don’t need to train to become the next Dina Asher-Smith or Serena Williams. The bad news? There is none! A simple 30-minute walk five times a week is all it takes.
Yoga is also perfect – those flowing movements and inverted poses can help boost blood flow to your eyes. Swimming, cycling, or even gardening count too. The key is consistency rather than intensity.
Even if you don’t exercise at the moment, it’s easy to get going. Start small – take the stairs instead of the lift, walk to the shops rather than drive, or do some stretches while watching telly. Your eyes will thank you for every bit of movement.
Visit our opticians in Whitley Bay
Do you have more questions about exercise and eye health? Contact us for a friendly chat – our expert team is always happy to help you keep your eyes in the best condition possible. Glasses