She says that the prevention or management of these three best known and recognised eye diseases is of vital importance as all three, if not controlled, can slowly lead to blindness. And, according to studies investigating possible links between inactivity or sedentary lifestyles and eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, even moderate exercise reduced the chances of getting glaucoma by 25%.  Routines involving exercise only every second day significantly lowered the chances of age-related macular degeneration.

But the positive effects of physical exercise on eye health do not stop there, it can also help lessen or remove the impact of general health issues on eye health.

Exercise Can Help More Than the Big Three

According to Gattegno, physical exercise, along with a healthy diet, can lower levels and improve management of many of the most serious general health issues which affect the eyes and vision severely and can also threaten sight over a period of time.

This includes controlling diabetes, which if left to run rampant can lead to retinal damage, and impact on sight by causing swelling in the macula which contains the vital photoreceptor cells that detect light. Diabetes can also lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels; both of which can affect the small blood vessels in the eyes, and also damage the light-sensitive retina. 

Exercise Routine Can Be Gentle

She says that as the studies showed, even a gentle but regular stroll through the park can improve and maintain both general and eye health, especially in those with a sedentary lifestyle, and it’s not necessary to overdo it. Walking briskly for 30-minutes every second day can be sufficient. 

“The only catch is that this is not a quick fix which can be applied for a while and then stopped. To keep reaping the benefits it is vital to keep following the programme at least three times a week,” Gattegno says.

Stepping Up the Pace

Most cardiovascular exercises which get the heart pumping and pulse rising, whether carried out in the form of dancing, riding a bike, running or walking, are the most likely to bring about even better outcomes with regard to vision problems.

They increase the flow of blood to both the optic nerve and to the retina, reducing the effects of hypertension (high blood pressure) on the eyes, helping control macular degeneration, and reducing the high intraocular pressure which causes glaucoma, Gattegno says. 

At the same time, hormones and anti-oxidants produced by the body in response to the exercise can also help protect the retinal ganglion cells. The retinal ganglion cells process the sight data received from light rays which land in the eyes and dispatch it to the brain.

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For more information on eye diseases, eye health and vision,  or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

She says that everyday stresses in today’s world, whether negative or positive, have put people under pressure and made them feel they’ve lost control. With stresses brought about by factors such as close work, long hours, heavy concentration levels, large amounts of screen time, health and financial problems; it’s not surprising that the prevalence of vision problems is rising with the stress levels.

Stress and Vision: A Vicious Cycle

“Stress creates a vicious cycle, leading to many health problems like depression, high blood pressure, worry and fear, all of which, in turn, push stress levels still higher. And the same happens with its effect on vision,” Gattegno says.

“What powers the cycle to keep on turning is the increased levels of stress hormones, and particularly cortisol, which are set in action as the body switches to fight or flight mode to protect itself against what is interpreted as a threat. These hormones raise blood pressure, cause the heart to beat faster, boost metabolism, and dilate the pupils in the eyes in preparation for an eminent battle, but stress is different in that it can last for long periods.”

“Stress can cause sensitivity to light and movement; bring on dizziness and headaches. And it can also lead to eye twitching; dry or extremely watery eyes; blurred vision; eye strain; small floaters; and eyes that feel tight and swollen,” Gattegno says. “Importantly, it can also affect the ability to concentrate and focus, and sometimes result in sudden and temporary blindness, or even lead to vision loss.”

As Stress Levels Rise So Does the Vision Threat

She says short spells of stress usually have a temporary impact on vision which can disappear of its own accord within a few weeks if the cause of the stress is removed. It’s advisable to consult an eye doctor if the vision problems continue for even a short while. 

Recent studies indicate that long-term stress can cause permanent vision damage and even result in vision loss.

“Raised levels of stress hormones (and cortisol in particular) can impact on important nervous systems, eyes, and even the brain, by disrupting blood flow in those areas. This could lead to optic neuropathy which causes eye pain, double vision, and loss of peripheral or side vision and colour vision and it may also increase the pressure in the eyes, causing (or worsening) glaucoma, an irreversible eye disease which can lead to vision loss,” says Gattegno.

For more information on eye health, visual skills and therapy, or to book an appointment, and how they can be treated, or to make an appointment for a regular eye check, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.