We all know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, but did you know that it can also affect our eyesight? The way we live our everyday lives can have a significant impact on the health of our eyes. In this post, we’ll explore the connection between a healthy lifestyle and good eye health.
Eye Disease and a Sedentary Lifestyle:
Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. These conditions can eventually cause vision loss or even blindness. Being inactive can contribute to these eye diseases because it leads to decreased blood flow to the eyes. On the other hand, regular exercise improves circulation and blood flow throughout the body, including to the eyes.
Minimizing Risk Factors for Eye Disease:
Leading a healthy lifestyle can minimize risk factors for eye disease. Some of these risk factors include poor nutrition, smoking, and high blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide your eyes with important nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc. Quitting smoking can help prevent cataracts and AMD. And keeping blood pressure in check can reduce the risk of developing glaucoma.
The Best Workout:
It’s important to note that the best workout for your eyes is the one you actually do. Whether it’s running, dancing, swimming, or even taking a brisk walk, any physical activity that gets your heart rate up will be beneficial for your eye health. Make sure to aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week. And if you’re someone who spends a lot of time in front of a screen, remember to take breaks and look away from your device every 20 minutes.
Remember to Schedule Annual Eye Exams:
Finally, don’t forget to schedule regular eye exams. Even if you think your vision is fine, eye exams can detect potential problems early on. Eye doctors can also check for underlying health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which can affect the health of your eyes. Adults should have an eye exam at least once every two years, and more frequently if you have a family history of eye diseases or other health conditions.
Living a healthy lifestyle is important for many reasons; eye health is one of them. A sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, smoking, and high blood pressure can all contribute to eye diseases. Staying active, eating healthy, not smoking, and keeping your blood pressure in check can help minimize risk to eye diseases.. Remember, the best workout for your eyes is the one you actually do, so find an activity that you enjoy and stick with it. And don’t forget to schedule your annual eye exam at Lentz Eye Care to ensure that your eyes are healthy and functioning properly.
We love to see our patients healthy and happy at Lentz Eye Care!