The precise cause of cataracts is unknown, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They may be age-related, as the majority of cataracts develop in those over age 55. However, they do occasionally occur in young children and even infants, according to the American Optometric Association. Diabetics seem to have a greater tendency to experience cataracts, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology. However, exercise helps maintain eye health in general, and may be a factor in reducing cataract onset, particularly for diabetics.
Types
Cataracts occur when clumps of protein mass on the lens of the eye and impede vision. Three layers of tissue comprise the lens of the eye: the capsule, which is the outermost layer; the cortex, which lies within the capsule; and the nucleus, the deepest layer. Cataract types depend on their location in the lens. Nuclear cataracts congregate in the center of the lens. A cortical cataract resembles a spoke in appearance and affects the cortex. Posterior capsular cataracts develop in the capsular layer, often more rapidly than the others, reports the American Optometric Association.
Benefits
Age-related cataracts and secondary cataracts, such as those that occur in diabetics, generally appear to manifest less in those who exercise. Vigorous exercise seems to be of particular use. According to a pair of 2009 studies conducted by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, vigorous exercise reduces the risk of cataracts. The studies followed 41,000 runners over seven years and discovered that running 1.2 to 2.5 miles per day reduced cataract risk by 19 percent. Running more than 2.5 miles a day reduced the risk by over 40 percent, compared with the group that ran less than 1.2 miles a day.
Circulation
Exercise increases blood flow to all the tissues of the body, and the eyes definitely benefit from this effect. Improved circulation as a result of aerobic exercise stimulates the elimination of toxins from the tissues of the eye.
Diabetes
Exercise is extremely important for diabetics, as advanced diabetes can cause poor circulation in the eye, particularly in the retina. Circulation problems in the retina have been linked to blindness in many diabetics, reports the American Optometric Association.
Considerations
Exercise is not the only lifestyle change that can counter the development of cataracts. The University of Maryland Medical Center points to smoking and excessive exposure to sunlight as other potential causes of cataracts. Reduce your risk by quitting smoking now and donning protective gear, such as hats and sunglasses, when you're out in the sun.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cataracts
- American Optometric Association: Cataracts
- American Academy of Ophthalmology Get Eye Smart: Cataracts
- Medical News Today: Vigorous Exercise May Help Prevent Vision Loss
- American Optometric Association: Adult Vision: 19 to 40 Years of Age
- American Optometric Association: What Does My Optometrist See?
