There are many reasons for maintaining an active lifestyle. One of them is to help keep your eyes healthy. In today’s post, your local eye care experts at Six One Six Vision Center discuss how an active lifestyle contributes to eye health.
What happens to the eyes of people who lead sedentary lifestyles? Several studies have pointed out that people who do not maintain an active lifestyle are more at risk of loss of vision as they get older. Health problems associated with sedentary lifestyles, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure — the risks of which can be increased with reduced physical activity — can increase the risk for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, and glaucoma.
Keeping an active lifestyle can help improve eye health and reduce the risk of conditions as described above. Regularly exercising at least three times a week can help reduce the risk of glaucoma by as much as 25% and age-related macular degeneration by as much as 75%. A healthy diet that includes food rich in lutein and zeaxanthin (carrots and dark green leafy vegetables), ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can be also beneficial to eyesight. Regular visits to your eye doctor can also help you determine the condition of your eyes, and whether there are changes to your diet and daily routine that can be beneficial to your eyesight.
The past year and a half have made it difficult to keep up with a healthy lifestyle. The good news is your needed exercise varies from person to person. Some people may need to work out with gym equipment and a certain number of hours, while for others, walking a few blocks and back on a daily basis will be enough.
Need to visit an optometrist? Call Six One Six Vision Center at (208) 514-1858. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Boise and Eagle, Idaho, as well as the surrounding communities.
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