As if cutting your risk of diseases, reducing stress and fighting depression are not enough for you to stay away from the couch and start moving, a new study adds up to the list of exercise benefits.
A research presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) showed that people who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity may be able to lower their risk of glaucoma – the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
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The researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles reported a 73% decline in the risk of developing glaucoma among the most physically active study participants, compared with those who were the least active.
According to Dr. Abdulla Al Naqi, Head of Ophthalmology at Dubai Hospital, glaucoma is the second top cause of irreversible blindness in the UAE.
The researchers defined moderate to vigorous activity in terms of walking speed and the number of steps taken per minute as measured by a pedometer. Taking 7,000 steps a day, every day of the week is considered equivalent to 30 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least 5 days a week.
The findings
- Glaucoma risk decreased by 6% for each 10-unit increase in walking speed and number of steps taken per minute.
- Glaucoma risk decreased by 25% for each 10-minute increase in moderate-to-vigorous activity per week, glaucoma risk decreased 25 percent.
So, there you go. If you want to stay strong while protecting your eyes from glaucoma and blindness, get moving now!
