Can Running Improve Eyesight?

We know that exercise is good for our bodies in a variety of ways. Not only does it keep our heart and metabolism functioning well, but it’s good for our mental health, too. Aerobic exercise, like running, is especially good for releasing endorphins and maintaining a healthy body composition. But can running improve eyesight?

The answer, happily, is yes. Our eye health and the rest of our body’s health are deeply intertwined. So, it makes sense that what is good for our body is good for our eyes.

In short, exercise has a significant impact on our vision, especially cardio workouts. From reducing the risk of cataracts to fighting against glaucoma, there is a lot exercise can do to improve and protect our vision.

Cataracts

People over the age of 40 are more likely to get cataracts than younger people. Most people develop them in both eyes, but some experience them in one eye at a time.

But what are cataracts? A cataract will cloud the lens of the eye as old protein cells begin to build up. This is because the normal processes that prevent this from happening slow down as you age.

Cataracts cause a cloudy or gray spot to form on the iris of your eye. This will cloud your central vision. In the early stages of the disease, you will experience glare in your vision. As the disease progresses, it can cause total vision loss.

Cataracts can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the level of sight you have left. When a cataract does not prevent you from living your day-to-day life due to poor vision, it can be corrected with a strong eyeglass prescription.

However, if you want to improve cataracts naturally, consider what you’re eating. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants will help to clear up your vision. And, research shows that physical exercise can boost eye health and prevent cataracts, too.

How Does Running Improve Eyesight and Reduce Your Risk of Cataracts?

Running is great for cataract prevention because it increases blood flow to your optic nerve. Regular cardiovascular exercise can do wonders for stopping those proteins from building up on the lens of the eye.

If running isn’t for you, never fear. While running has the most benefits for eyesight when it comes to cataracts, walking is a great option, too. This is especially true if you have knee issues or other concerns that make running difficult. However, the more you can increase your heart rate, the better it will protect your eyes from cataracts. Even a light jog will help.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is another disease that demonstrates the connection between cardio and eyesight.  This condition impacts the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible damage if it isn’t caught early. This is why it’s important to keep up with your regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40.

Glaucoma occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the eye that cannot be drained properly. This can be caused by either the ducts to the drain becoming blocked or fluid being produced too quickly so that the ducts can’t drain it all.

Fluid buildup increases the pressure in the eye, also called intraocular pressure. This pressure pushes down on the optic nerve and impairs vision.

When caught in its early stages, glaucoma can be treated with eye drops and oral medications. However, when the disease is too far progressed, there is no treatment other than lifestyle changes to adapt to your new vision.

Walking for Glaucoma

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, light exercise such as a brisk walk or aerobics can help prevent eye damage from glaucoma. This is because such exercise will gently increase blood flow, which in turn reduces eye pressure.

If you are already suffering from glaucoma, walking is one of the best things you can do. Not only can a brisk walk help prevent glaucoma, but it can also ease the symptoms. By increasing that blood flow and decreasing that pressure, you should start to feel noticeably better.

A 20-minute walk or aerobics class is highly recommended for those with glaucoma or those at risk of developing the disease. However, it’s important to be gentle with your exercise. Avoid workouts like strength training, as this will only increase your intraocular pressure and won’t actually protect your eyes from the disease.

Does Exercise Improve Eyesight?

So, beyond preventing cataracts and glaucoma, does running make your eyesight better?  For those reading who are much too young to even be thinking of cataracts and glaucoma, it’s safe to say that yes, running and walking can also improve your overall eyesight.

A recent study found a link between heightened vision and exercising. The study found that those who expended more energy seemed to have sharper vision.

Using neuroimaging techniques, the researchers conducting the study monitored the impact of exercising on the brain. What they found was that low- and high-intensity exercise would boost activity in the visual cortex, which is the part of the brain that organizes and comprehends images our eyes send. This keeps the muscles in your eyes spry and strong, which will help you maintain good vision throughout your life. It’s never too late to start!

If you’ve been a little lazy on the exercising front lately or just don’t feel like exercising because you don’t need to lose weight, do it for your eyes. Ignite your visual cortex by going for a walk through the autumn leaves or a run through the woods. It will probably do wonders for your mental health, too.

You don’t need to wait for the new year or a new month to set your exercise resolution, either. You can get a head start no matter what time of the year it is – your eyes will thank you for years to come.

You’ll not only improve your eyesight, but you will also be protecting your eyes from future diseases that could take your vision away altogether. Get moving today!