Blog article
3 ways exercise excites (and benefits) your eyesight
When it comes to the benefits of challenging yourself at HBF Run for a Reason, there’s a list longer than the Specsavers 12km to celebrate – but did you know running and exercise can also have advantages for your eye health?
Specsavers Optometrist, Dr Ambhruni Padhye, shares three ways the Specsavers 12km (and any fitness challenge, for that matter) benefits your eyesight beyond the finish line – plus her top tips for keeping your eyes in peak condition.
1. Improved Blood Circulation
It’s not often we stop to appreciate our body’s circulatory system as it delivers oxygen and nutrients to our cells, but it plays a crucial role in eye health. The good news? Running boosts overall blood circulation—including increased blood flow to the eyes.
“Exercise boosts blood circulation throughout the body, and this includes the eyes,” explains Dr
Padhye.
“Better circulation ensures that the eyes receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, which helps
maintain their health and functionality.”
2. Reduced Eye Strain
Between screentime, work, and more screentime, many of us may not even realise how much eye strain we’re experiencing. The outdoors offers a natural solution—running or exercising outside gives your eyes a break from digital screens, helping relax eye muscles and reducing discomfort caused by prolonged near-focus activities.
“Spending time outdoors while running or exercising helps reduce eye strain,” adds Dr Padhye.
“Many of us spend long hours looking at screens, which can cause our eyes to feel tired and irritated. Taking
regular breaks and getting into the outdoors is ideal to combat this.”
So, if you needed another reason to ditch the screens and sign up for the Specsavers 12km, here it is!
Should I wear sunglasses when I run?
3. Weight Management & Eye Health
We already know that maintaining a healthy weight has benefits ranging from mood regulation to heart health—but it can also protect your eyesight.
“Exercise helps manage weight, which reduces the risk of developing conditions like diabetes that can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition,” explains Dr Padhye.
Since diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness, staying active isn’t just about fitness goals—it’s about long-term vision health, too.
Dr Padhye’s Top Tips for Healthy Eyes:
- Regular eye tests – Identifying eye conditions early leads to better treatment outcomes.
- Take screen breaks – Follow the 20:20:20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds.
- Stay active – Regular exercise and a balanced diet help protect against chronic conditions.
- Stay hydrated – Dehydration can decrease tear production and cause irritation.
- Eat for your eyes – Incorporate leafy greens (kale, spinach), oily fish (salmon, tuna), eggs, nuts, carrots, and citrus fruits into your diet for optimal eye health.
So, as you lace up for the Specsavers 12km, know that you’re not just pushing your physical limits—you’re also supporting your eye health. And that’s a win worth running for!
We are thrilled to have Specsavers on board once again as a 2025 HBF Run for a Reason sponsor, and for those looking for a scenic challenge packed with entertainment along the way – the Specsavers 12km is more than meets the eye, especially when it comes to your eye health!
Eyes lighting up?
