Int J Ophthalmol: Revealing how exercise reduces the risk of cataracts.

, June 21, 2020 /PRNewswire
/ -- Researchers in China and Australia conducted a comprehensive study of more than 170,000 people and found conclusive evidence that regular physical activity reduces the risk of age-related cataractsGlobally, about 13 million people are blinded by age-related cataractsIn a recent paper published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology,researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong University and the University of South Australia (UniSA) analyzed data from six studies that looked at how exercise reduces oxidative damage to the eyePhoto Source: Researchers found that people who regularly engaged in sports such as walking and cycling had a 10 per cent lower risk of cataract-related (ARC)UniSA epidemiologist, DrMing Li, says physical activity reduces oxidative pressure on the eye by inhibiting lipid degradation that causes cell damage"We know that exercise increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which have a variety of benefits, including limiting eye infections and inflammation," DrLee saidprevious studies have shown that long-term physical activity also raises HDL levels, known as "good cholesterol," which may carry more antioxidants from the plasma into the eyes to prevent oxidative damageexercise can also improve insulin resistance and lipid levels, both of which are associated with increased RISK of ARC"Age-related cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision impairment and blindness in the world, and while surgery is an effective option for restoring vision, it is very expensive," DrLee said"Because the crystal contains high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids and their special biological functions, the crystalline body is highly susceptible to oxidative damageAlthough we don't fully understand the mechanisms behind ARC, we know that aging and oxidative damage play a key role in the development of disease"
researchers found that for every hour of cycling or walking a day, the risk of cataracts was reduced by 2 percent "Considering that 24 percent of adults don't like exercise, these findings are expected to encourage older people to start exercising regularly." (BioValleyBioon.com) References: Hong Jiang Physical activity and risk of age-project-under-the-world, International Journal of The Ortsofy (2020) DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2020.04.18
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