How Does Living An Active Lifestyle Help Your Eye Health
Eating right, sleeping well, and exercising regularly are how we keep fit, feel healthy and strengthen muscles, cartilage, and bones. In addition, an active lifestyle will reduce the risk of developing chronic health problems like type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart issues. Still, you might not realize the lesser-known benefits of staying active, like how it impacts our lifelong eye health.
A Sedentary Lifestyle Will Increase the Risk of Eye Disease
First, look at what can happen to our eyes if we don’t stay active. It makes us more susceptible to vision loss as we age. Those chronic health issues can take a severe toll on our eye health. Type-2 diabetes stands as one of the most significant factors for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, diabetic macular edema, and glaucoma.
Additionally, without consuming the proper nutrients from a healthy diet or getting sufficient rest to recharge, our eyes don’t have the best means to defend against infection.
How To Reduce the Risk of Eye Disease
Staying active is excellent for our eye health, significantly lowering the risk of sight-threatening ailments. So, how do we stay active? Running or cycling or spending time at the gym three times a week can lower the risk of developing macular degeneration by up to seventy-five percent and reduce the risk of glaucoma by twenty-five percent.
What’s the Best Eye-Health Exercise Plan?
There are endless online sources for advice on exercise. Still, the best plan is to choose the best exercise regimen for you. So don’t worry whether or not you’re doing the most effective routines. Rather prioritize physical activity first, and the type of activity you enjoy the most?
For some, it’s working out at the gym. Others prefer swimming or jogging or hiking on nature trails. You might choose a social element like joining a running group, a martial arts studio or take a whirl with ballroom dancing. You may take up yoga, Pilates, or even rock climbing. The most enjoyable activities are the ones you’re most likely to do consistently.
Make Room for Regular Eye Exams
While an active lifestyle can go a long way towards maintaining your overall health, having regular checkups with a board-certified ophthalmologist is crucial. They will help ensure your eyes stay healthy and keep your prescriptions up to date. Early detection is the best tool to combat many eye diseases and retain eye health.
Come Visit Us
If you would like more information about maintaining your eye health in Portland, OR, schedule a complimentary consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will.