In previous posts I have talked about how exercise can help creativity, memory and how important it is as you age. These effects are over and above the usual benefits of exercise. I came across some interesting research that suggests exercise may even be able to help your eyesight. Yes, you read that right, your eyesight! The research suggests that exercise may reduce the risk of Macular degeneration. This is where neurons in the central part of the retina deteriorate. So what did they do in the research? Continue reading to find out.
The research was published in The Journal of Neuroscience in February 2014. The researchers were interested in a growth factor called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This is known to be helpful for the health and well-being of neurons. They are thought to be the link between exercise and the changes to brain health and cognition. This growth factor is also present in the retina and it was thought that exercise may increase the levels of this factor in the retina, therefore improving its function.
In the experiment they used mice and divided them into two groups, exercise and a non-exercise control. Basically, they exercised the mice for 2 weeks, whilst the control did nothing. They then exposed half the groups to what they called ‘toxic light’ and the other half normal light levels. (It is pretty sad, but ‘toxic light’ is a super bright light that is a widely used mechanism of inducing retinal degeneration in animals). The results were interesting though:
The researchers said that it is impossible to definitely say whether the same effect will be present for humans, but they are working on finding out. Until they do, the researchers said that those who are worried about their vision, especially if there is a family history of retinal degeneration, might want to discuss an exercise program with their doctor.
I don’t know about you, but this is really interesting to me. This is just another reason why exercise is beneficial. I bet more and more research will come out showing the fantastic effects of exercise. If you are doing regular exercise, great. If you are not, it’s time to make a change and maybe you will experience some of the added benefits of regular exercise.
References:
In the experiment they used mice and divided them into two groups, exercise and a non-exercise control. Basically, they exercised the mice for 2 weeks, whilst the control did nothing. They then exposed half the groups to what they called ‘toxic light’ and the other half normal light levels. (It is pretty sad, but ‘toxic light’ is a super bright light that is a widely used mechanism of inducing retinal degeneration in animals). The results were interesting though:
- The bright light caused 75% loss of both retinal function and photoreceptor numbers in the non-exercise group. However, exercised mice exposed to bright light had 2 times greater retinal function and photoreceptor nuclei than inactive mice exposed to bright light.
- Exercised mice had 20% more BDNF protein levels than inactive mice.
- They concluded that the data suggests that aerobic exercise is neuro-protective for retinal degeneration and this effect is mediated by the BDNF factor.
The researchers said that it is impossible to definitely say whether the same effect will be present for humans, but they are working on finding out. Until they do, the researchers said that those who are worried about their vision, especially if there is a family history of retinal degeneration, might want to discuss an exercise program with their doctor.
I don’t know about you, but this is really interesting to me. This is just another reason why exercise is beneficial. I bet more and more research will come out showing the fantastic effects of exercise. If you are doing regular exercise, great. If you are not, it’s time to make a change and maybe you will experience some of the added benefits of regular exercise.
References:
- Gretchen Reynolds, Exercising for Healthier Eyes, http://well.blogs.nytimes.com.
- E. Lawson et al. Aerobic exercise protects Retinal Function and structure from light induced Retinal Degeneration. The Journal of Neuroscience. http://www.jneurosci.org
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