A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that affects vision. Cataracts are very common in older people, with more than half of all Americans either having a cataract or having had cataract surgery by age 80. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes but cannot spread from one eye to the other.
While surgery is the best method for removing cataracts, Drs. Merrill J. Allen, Steven M. Beresford and Francis A. Young of the American Vision Institute say exercise can be effective in reducing the symptoms. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Identification
According to the Natural Eye Care website, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world but also are one of the most highly treatable eye conditions. Cataracts are essentially an opaque spot on the lens of the eye that cannot be seen through. Cataracts can be the result of several factors, including free radicals, smoking, diabetes, heredity and aging.
Effects
People with cataracts see varying effects on their vision. In less-severe cases, you can seem to be looking through a cloud or a haze that can vary in size, thickness and location. Many people initially experience reduction in vision, requiring more light for reading or causing increased difficulty reading street signs while driving. A cataract also can affect depth perception. In more-severe cases, blindness can occur.
Potential Benefits of Exercise
According to a 2009 study by Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science that looked at 41,000 runners over seven years, males who ran more than 5.7 miles each day had a 35 percent reduced risk of developing cataracts than men who ran less than 1.4 miles. The study also found the fittest men had a 50 percent lower risk of cataracts than the least-fit men.
According to the Vision Therapy website, therapeutic eye exercises improve the movement of fluids and break up the stagnation zone around the inner lens. The exercises are aimed at improving the entry of nutrients and eliminating waste products, while also flushing out cellular debris and dissolving the cataract.
Types of Exercises
According to the Diet Health Club website, a cataract patient should adopt various methods of relaxing and strengthening his eyes. These include moving his eyes gently up and down, from side to side and in a circle, clockwise and counter-clockwise. Rotating the neck in circles and semi-circles and briskly moving the shoulders clockwise and counter-clockwise also is recommended.
Palming
One specific exercise for the eyes is called palming. According to the Vision Works USA website, you should rub your hands together until they feel warm, then place your cupped hands over your closed eyelids, being careful not to touch your eyes with the palms of your hands. The fingers of each hand should overlap and rest gently on the center of your forehead. Don't put unnecessary pressure on your face. If your arms get tired, rest your elbows on a table.
Sit quietly for one to two minutes with your hands over your eyes. The more relaxed you become, the blacker the darkness you will see with your eyes closed, which relaxes the eyes.
