LASIK Laser Eye Surgery Blog at Eye Surgery USA

Exercise Helps Prevent Cataracts

A new study conducted by the the National Runners' Health Study shows that those who live an active lifestyle are less likely to develop cataracts. The study of nearly 29,000 men and 12,000 women, all non-smokers, shows that men and women whose Body Mass Index exceeded U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines were more at risk of developing cataracts.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Body Mass Index (BMI) guidelines, based on height and weight, are as follows:

• BMI less than 18.5 = Underweight
• BMI 18.5 to 24.9 = Normal weight
• BMI 25 to 29.9 = Overweight
• BMI 30 or higher = Obese

The study shows that men who run 40 miles or more per week (or perform an equal amount of other cardiovascular exercise per week) were 35% less likely to develop cataracts than those who ran 10 miles or less.

The bottom line is, the more exercise you get, the less chance you'll have of developing cataracts. Additionally, the benefits of cardiovascular exercise for the heart and lungs help prevent other diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes.

Thanks for visiting Eye Surgery USA!

Labels: body mass index, cataracts

 

---