Running May Reduce Risk of Age-Related Vision Problems

It appears that running is good for your eyes as well as your body. While the link between activities such as running and better overall general health have long been established, new studies have also associated the activity with better vision as you age.

A recent study examined the health profiles of 41,000 runners over a seven year period. The evidence from the study indicated that running dramatically reduced the risk of age-related vision problems.

Men running 5.7 miles daily were 35% less likely to develop cataracts than men running fewer than 1.4 miles daily. A similar trend was found for age-related macular degeneration. Men and women who run at least 2.4 miles daily experienced a 54% reduction in the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are all vision disorders that commonly develop as you age. It is important to go for regular eye screenings after age 40 in order to prevent the development of one of these degenerative eye conditions. Early treatment is essential with these disorders. Otherwise, you may run the risk of blindness.

You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.