Does Daily Exercise Protect Your Eyes?

Simple lifestyle tips for better eye health!

Woman walking in a park — stay healthy body and mind

Did you know your eyes love exercise just as much as your body does?

It's true! Let's explore a simple activity that can help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Why Exercise Is Great for Your Eyes

You might think working out is only good for your body, but research shows it also does wonders for your eyes, especially if you have Dry Eye Disease (DED).

Why is that? Here's how exercise helps:

Boosts Tear Production
Just a quick run or brisk walk can increase tear production, giving immediate relief from dryness.
Improves Tear Quality
Just a quick run or brisk walk can increase tear production, giving immediate relief from dryness.
Less Sitting Means Happier Eyes
Did you know that sitting too much can dry out your eyes? Studies show that each extra hour of sedentary time increases your risk of dry eyes by 1–2%. If you spend a lot of time in front of screens, it's even more important to move regularly.
An Active Lifestyle Leads to Clearer Vision
Staying active not only boosts your overall well-being. However, it also reduces the risk of dry eyes. In fact, people who exercise regularly are about 10 per cent less likely to experience dry eye symptoms.

So, What Can You Do to Keep Your Eyes Healthy?

Here are some easy, eye-friendly habits you can start today:

Blink Regularly

Make a habit of blinking more often, especially during exercise or screen time.

Stay Hydrated

Drink enough water throughout the day to support your tear production and eye health.

Wear Sunglasses

People wearing sunglasses — protect your eyes from UV

When exercising outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and wind exposure.

These simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy.

Your eyes are worth it! Let's give our eyes the care they deserve. A little movement each day goes a long way in protecting your vision and keeping your eyes feeling their best.

Get ready, set, move and let your eyes feel the difference.

Reference:

Kawashima, M., Uchino, M., Yokoi, N., Uchino, Y., Dogru, M., Komuro, A., Sonomura, Y., Kato, H., Nishiwaki, Y., Kinoshita, S., & Tsubota, K. (2014). The association between dry eye disease and physical activity as well as sedentary behavior: Results from the Osaka study. Journal of Ophthalmology, 2014, Article 943786. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/943786

Navarro-Lopez, S., Moya-Ramón, M., Gallar, J., Carracedo, G., & Aracil-Marco, A. (2023). Effects of physical activity/exercise on tear film characteristics and dry eye associated symptoms: A literature review. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye, 46(4), Article 101854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2023.101854

Nguyen, L., Magno, M. S., Utheim, T. P., Hammond, C. J., & Vehof, J. (2023). The relationship between sedentary behavior and dry eye disease. The Ocular Surface, 28, 11–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2023.01.002

Walsh, N. P., Fortes, M. B., Raymond-Barker, P., Bishop, C., Owen, J., Tye, E., Esmaeelpour, M., Purslow, C., & Elghenzai, S. (2012). Is whole-body hydration an important consideration in dry eye? Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 53(10), 6622–6627. https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.12-10175