Cataracts manifest as fuzzy vision, difficulty with night driving, or excessive glare. While age predisposes individuals to cataract formation, it is not a destiny set in stone. Apart from a healthy diet and scheduled eye check-ups, regular exercise has emerged as a surprising warrior against this vision-impairing condition. For that matter, Dr. Wes Heroman elaborates on the compelling tie between active living and the prevention of cataracts.
Harnessing Wellness: Exercise and Eye Health
Dr. Wes Heroman First of all, exercise, often credited for cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being, also extends significant benefits to ocular health. Exercise helps maintain ideal blood pressure and controls diabetes, both of which directly influence the health of the eyes.
How Exercise Helps Defend Against Cataracts
The link between exercise and cataract prevention occurs at the biochemical level. Regular physical activity reduces oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress, which leads cells to damage, is implicated in many diseases including cataracts. Further, exercise improves blood flow throughout the body, including to the eyes, ensuring good eye health.
Optimal Exercise Types for Cataract Prevention
While any form of exercise benefits health, a cocktail of aerobic exercises and strength training offers a robust defense against cataracts. Walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, and weight lifting are all excellent options. It’s not about extreme fitness but maintaining a regular, balanced exercise routine.
Know the Limits: Avoiding Exercise-Related Eye Injuries
While exercising can protect against cataracts, it’s essential to protect the eyes during workouts. Wearing protective gear during sports and avoiding exercises that strain the eyes are crucial. Remember, exercise should be about sustaining health, not risking it.
Beyond Cataracts: The Comprehensive Benefits of Exercising
The benefits of exercise spill over to various facets of eye health. Dr. Wes Heroman Regular physical activity reduces the risk of macular degeneration and glaucoma, two other major causes of vision loss. It further aids in maintaining Optic Nerve health, a critical aspect of vision.