A study published in the journal Ophthalmology examined the effects of a number of common everyday activities on eye health over time. The results can help guide you to making better choices to preserve your vision.
A Lifelong Study tracking Visual Impairment
Researchers from the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine analyzed data from a study that followed nearly 5,000 participants between 43 and 84 years of age between 1988 and 2013.
The study looked specifically at three common activities:
- exercising
- smoking
- drinking alcohol
Exercising’s Effect on Visual Impairment
The study authors found that people who exercised three or more times per week were less likely to develop visual impairment. In fact, they discovered that those who were physically active were 58% less likely to become visually impaired than those who were sedentary.
Regular physical activity not only supports overall well-being, but also helps lower the risk of diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can negatively impact eye health. Activities like brisk walking, gardening, or even light aerobic exercises can improve circulation and contribute to maintaining good vision over time.
Drinking Alcohol’s Effect on Visual Impairment
The researchers also indicated that occasional drinkers (those who had consumed alcohol in the past year, but reported zero servings in an average week) were 49% less likely to become visually impaired than people who abstained from alcohol completely.
Not surprisingly, heavy drinkers were found to be at greater risk of developing visual impairment.
Smoking’s Effect on Visual Impairment
Smokers were also found to be at greater risk of developing visual problems. We’ve detailed 7 risks to your eye health and vision as a smoker — that post covers many of this study’s same findings.
The good news is that if you quit smoking, the risk of developing many of these serious disorders becomes almost as low as for people who never smoked.
Managing Screen Time to Preserve Your Vision
While not part of the study, another crucial step is managing screen time — especially in today’s technology-driven world. Spending long hours in front of digital screens can lead to symptoms of eye strain, such as:
- dry eyes
- blurry vision
- headaches
To minimize these effects, try the 20-20-20 method:
Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on an object 20 feet away. Ensuring proper lighting in your workspace and using tools like blue light-blocking glasses or screen filters can also help protect your eyes from strain and fatigue.
By combining these habits with a nutrient-rich diet and regular professional eye care, you can reduce the likelihood of vision problems and promote healthy eyesight well into the future.
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