Regular exercise has long been recognized as a way to improve overall health and well-being. Exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and obesity, among other ailments. However, what many people do not realise is that exercise can also have a positive impact on our eyes.

Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing serious eye diseases that may lead to blindness. These diseases include diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration, which are often linked to high cholesterol level, diabetes and high blood pressure. By reducing these risk factors, exercise can help preserve vision for a longer period.

While no direct correlation has been found between exercise and glaucoma, research has shown that intraocular pressure is reduced after exercising. This is due to the acceleration of aqueous outflow, leading to lower intraocular pressure than usual. People who regularly exercise have a lower risk of developing glaucoma than those who do not. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people who engage in moderate physical exercise are 25% less likely to develop glaucoma than those who are mostly inactive. However, caution should be exercised as certain positions and postures can exacerbate glaucoma, such as a head-stand.

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of severe vision loss worldwide in people over the age of 60. Although there is no direct link between exercise and macular degeneration, studies suggest that exercise can reduce the risk of developing the disease. This is because exercise can improve blood flow to the retina, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision.

In addition to reducing the risk of eye diseases, exercise can also improve energy levels, lower blood pressure and aid in weight loss. All these factors contribute to improved overall health and well-being. Regular exercise can promote a healthier lifestyle, leading to better rest for the body and improved quality of life.

In conclusion, exercise is beneficial not only for the body but also for the eyes. Regular exercise can significantly lower the risk of developing serious eye diseases. While exercise cannot single-handedly prevent or cure eye diseases, it can certainly help in your overall well-being. Additionally, it is crucial to get regular eye checks, as they can aid in the early detection of any eye disease. Don’t forget to visit our centre, OasisEye Specialists, where we provide comprehensive eye care services to help you maintain optimal eyesight.

It might come off astounding at how contrasting vision and eye health could be between men and women.
Take for example, men tend to succumb in sustaining sight-threatening eye injuries than women, however, women do tend to be more at risk to various eye diseases. What could both sexes do to address such eye concerns?

Common Eye Diseases in Women

Women are more susceptible to glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than men. The progressive loss of central vision is known as AMD, whereas, damage to the optic nerve would result in permanent vision loss known as glaucoma. Women are more susceptible to these diseases due to having longer life expectancies than men. Annual routine eye exams are beneficial for early detection hence, the best way to prevail them.
Besides the diseases mentioned above, women are also more prone to chronic dry eyes and basic refractive errors. When dry eyes are left as it is, it may lead up to an increased risk of eye infections. Symptoms of dry eyes include redness, discomfort, prickly sensations, irritation, and blurred vision.

Risk Factors for Eye Diseases

Age is a major risk factor in eye disease developments. However, for women this too includes pregnancy, birth control, as well as menopause. This is because it involves significant changes and fluctuations in hormone levels. Dry eyes is more anticipated due to these hormone changes too. Birth control may show indications of a woman’s chances in cataract development.

Eyes of Men and Hormones

In adolescence, pubescent boys may turn out nearsighted (myopic) for a short period of time as their eyes develop. As they undergo a growth spurt, their eyes may get longer. It should be noted that oftentimes this effect lasts into adulthood. Despite that, it can be simply resolved with spectacles or contact lenses. They may also consider refractive surgery such as TransPRK, ICL, etc. once they reach adulthood and their refraction stabilises.

Eye Injuries in Men

Comparatively to women, men are more susceptible to eye injuries as they are oftentimes more exposed to work in hazardous occupations or partake in high-risk sports. Men are also less inclined to wear protective eyewear and this facilitates the risk more when compared to women. Men too often tend to tough out their injuries and seek professional advice only after the injuries are intolerable. Whereas, women would have been more emotionally driven by the pain and anxiety to seek for advice sooner.

Vision in Men and Women

Both men and women actually see things differently. When it comes to distinguishing subtle differences in colour, women are better than men at it. Men in actuality are more commonly susceptible to colour blindness which are inherited from their mothers. In retrospect, men surpass women at identifying minute details and rapid movement. So don’t blame men too much if they can’t tell your lipstick shades apart!
One theory to account for these differences is that they go back to the hunter-gatherer days, Men did the hunting while women did the foraging, so the men would have needed to spot game at a distance in order to be effective hunters, whereas women needed to be able to tell nutritious plants apart from poisonous ones (especially green and yellow tones).

Nystagmus is an eye condition where the eyes move rapidly and are unable to control. The areas of the brain that control eye movements are not working properly. There are three types of movement of nystagmus which are horizontal nystagmus (moving from side to side), vertical nystagmus (moving up and down), rotary nystagmus which move in a circular motion. This eye condition usually happens in both eyes and can occur in children or adults. The speed of movement may vary, it can be fast or slow and shake more in a certain direction. Therefore, you may have noticed nystagmus patients will tilt or turn their head to see clearer. This is because it helps to slow down the eye movements.

Types of nystagmus : Congenital and acquired.

Congenital nystagmus

Congenital nystagmus normally occurs in infants at the age of 6 weeks to 3 months old. It likely affects both eyes by moving horizontally (side by side). Congenital nystagmus causes are yet unknown, but sometimes it might be due to inheritance.

Acquired nystagmus

Acquired nystagmus usually occurs later in life. It can be caused by serious medical conditions, drugs or alcohol consumption.
Generally, children with nystagmus don’t feel their eyes shaking but notice some blur of vision. Unlike adults with nystagmus will often feel shaky when looking around.

Cause of nystagmus

In some cases the cause of nystagmus is still unknown. In other cases, nystagmus can be caused by other eye conditions.
Possible nystagmus causes :

• Family history of nystagmus
• Albinism
• Certain eye disorders in infants or children (etc. congenital cataracts and binocular anomalies such as strabismus)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Inner ear problems (etc. Meniere’s disease)
• Trauma or head injury (common happens in younger people)
• Stroke (common happens in older people)
• Alcohol or drug consumption
• Use of certain medications (etc. lithium or anti-seizure medications)

Symptom of nystagmus

The main symptom of nystagmus is that eyes move rapidly and are unable to control. The movement usually is side to side. It also can be up and down or circular motion. The speed of movement can vary fast or slow and shake more in a certain direction.

In addition, other nystagmus symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Photophobia (sensitive to light)
• Having difficulty seeing in dark environment
• Blur of vision
• Turned or tilted head position to see
• Shaking environment

Nystagmus Treatment

Nystagmus are treated based on the underlying causes. Those who are born with nystagmus usually are not able to be cured. However, refractive correction with glasses or contact lenses is able to provide them a clearer vision which may help slow down the rapid movement.

Surgery repositioning the eye muscles that move the eyes is rarely done, and it does not correct or cure nystagmus. It only helps people with nystagmus to keep their head in a more comfortable position by limiting eye movement.

In acquired nystagmus sometimes it can go away by treating the underlying causes of nystagmus. For instance by treating the medical condition or stopping drug or alcohol intake.

Nystagmus can be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will examine the eyes to rule out any eye condition which relates to nystagmus conditions including binocular anomalies, cataract and any retina disease including optic nerve. Sometimes they also refer to an ear examination ,a neurological examination and brain imaging (computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) if necessary to rule out the underlying causes.

Therefore, it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you notice any unusual sign or symptom of nystagmus especially for parents with infants or children. In addition, an eye screening can also be beneficial.

Smoking your way to blindness

Tobacco smoking is the consumption of tobacco which can be found in lighting cigarettes, cigars and pipes. The practice of inhaling and exhaling such fumes poses an epidemic on its own, known most commonly to cause significant damage to the heart and lung. Ever thought how smoking could develop or exacerbate eye problems that are sight-threatening and potentially lead to blindness? Some of the eye diseases are such as:

Dry Eye Syndrome

Tobacco smoke irritates the conjunctival mucosa of the eye, decreases the quantity and quality of tears, thereby causing eye dryness. The insufficiency of quality tears causes smokers to experience itchiness, eye redness, foreign body sensation, swelling, and watery eyes.

Cataract

It is the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. Studies have found smokers significantly increase their risk of cataract development up to 3 folds as the practice of smoking causes alteration in the cells and increases build-up of heavy metal residue in the crystalline lens.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is an acquired degenerative condition that impairs the central vision. Smoking causes constriction of the blood vessels and reduction in the level of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula, which accelerates the rate of developing AMD by up to 4 times. It causes one to have difficulty in reading, seeing fine details, poor facial recognition, seeing wavy lines, and many more.

Uveitis

It is the inflammation of the central layer of the eye, known as the uvea. According to studies, smokers have an increased risk of 2.2 times to develop uveitis compared to non-smokers.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder which is indicated by compromised blood flow to the optic nerve, resulting in progressive loss of nerve tissue and gradual vision loss. Smoking contributes to this condition by increasing plaque formation in the blood vessels, which in turn reduces blood flow.

Diabetes Retinopathy

It is established that smokers with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) have a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The act of smoking combined with the chronic hyperglycemic state damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina by reducing retinal blood flow, causing these vessels to break, leak or even block.

Not only do smokers significantly increase their risk for all these diseases, it affects the eyes of people around them via passive exposure (secondhand smoke) as well. The negative impact of smoking during pregnancy can be transmitted to newborns, contributing to higher risk of visual disorders.

Residents within Klang Valley in areas such as Cheras, Puchong, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, and Kepong can visit our low vision specialist, Ms Vinodhini Naidu to have their eyes examined at Nexus Bangsar South KL branch. Residents in Seremban 2, Senawang, Sendayan and Port Dickson can visit Dr Teh Wee Min at our Seremban branch. Residents in Johor Bahru, Skudai, Kulai, Iskandar Puteri, Senai, Tebrau, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Segamat can visit Dr Ling Kiet Phang or Dr Chan Choon Teng at our Johor Bahru branch. Residents in Perai, Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth, Penang island, Alor Setar, Kulim and Sungai Petani can visit Dato’ Dr Haslina at our Penang branch.