Can New Year's Fitness Resolutions Protect Your Retina?
Many people strive to be more physically active at the beginning of the year. Exercising offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health, but did you know that being fit can also protect your retinas? Exercising boosts blood flow and nutrients throughout your body, including your eyes. Integrating eye-friendly habits into your fitness routine is essential and easy to do.
Physical Activity and Retinal Health
Certain retinal conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, are associated with other health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Engaging in regular exercise and improving your cardiovascular health can help lower your risk of developing these conditions or mitigate their negative effects on your overall well-being.
A recent study conducted on mice suggests that exercise may help protect against the overgrowth of blood vessels in conditions such as AMD. Although further research is necessary to understand how these findings might apply to human retinas, the results are very promising.
Eye-Friendly Health and Fitness Habits
There are simple steps you can take to incorporate eye-friendly health habits into your daily fitness routine, such as:
- Adding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc to your diet, such as fish and dark, leafy greens
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent eye dryness
- Wearing sunglasses with adequate UV protection when working out outdoors
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
- Seeing a retina specialist annually in addition to your general practitioner, dentist, etc.
Learn More About Enhancing Your Retinal Health
Prioritizing your physical fitness is a great way to kick off the new year and lay the foundation for strong retinal health. At the Retina Group of Florida, we can help you incorporate eye-friendly health habits into your fitness routine, as well as diagnose and treat any retinal conditions or concerns you may have. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located retina centers in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Naples, and surrounding areas.
