It is already well known that 30 minutes of physical exercise daily can benefit your heart, your waistline and your energy level, but it can also do your eyes a world of good.  It's simple logic that your eyes would receive the same benefit that the rest of your body does when you exercise.  Many eye diseases are linked to other health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.  Exercise can help keep these problems under control and limit their impact.

Two recent studies have shown that people who exercise regularly were less likely to develop serious eye disease.  In one study, it was found that people who engaged in moderate physical exercise were 25 percent less likely to develop glaucoma than people who were largely inactive and lead a sedentary lifestyle.  In another study, researchers looked at the medical history of more than 3,800 people to see if there was a relationship between developing age-related macular degeneration and being physically inactive.  The scientists found that people who exercised three times a week were less likely to develop ARMD than people who didn't exercise.

If you already have a disease, exercise can help you manage it better.  For example, physical activity can help people with diabetes keep their disease under control.  That reduces the risk of complications, including diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss among working age adults.

The good news about exercise is that you don't have to be a marathon runner to reap the benefits.  Check out your local health and fitness club for a program that would fit your age and lifestyle.  Taking a brisk daily walk, climbing the stairs, and dancing are all great ways to get a good workout that will help you and your eyes stay healthy.