Digital Desk: A team led by University of Waterloo academics has uncovered some fascinating discoveries regarding how regular exercise is good for various reasons, including maintaining a healthy heart, preventing diabetes, and preventing obesity.
They observed that aerobic and regular exercise causes a considerable increase in tear production and tear film stability, which might be another treatment for dry, itchy eyes. Their research was published in the journal 'Experimental Eye Research' under the title 'Differential impact of maximum incremental treadmill activity on tear secretion and tear film stability in athletes and non-athletes.'
Otchere, Samuel Abokyi, Sekyere Nyamaah, and Michael Ntodie of the University of Cape Coast and Yaw Osei Akoto of Ghana's Our Lady of Grace Hospital co-authored the paper.
Our eyes are coated in tear film every time we blink, which is an important protective layer for preserving proper ocular function. The three layers of a healthy tear film are oil, water, and mucin, which work together to moisten the ocular surface and protect it from infection-causing irritants like dust or grit.
The ocular surface can develop dry patches when any tear film component becomes unstable, causing eye symptoms such as itching, stinging, and burning sensations.
"With so much of our activity tied to screen usage, dry eye symptoms are becoming increasingly common," said Heinz Otchere, a PhD candidate in vision science at Waterloo. "Instead of having to use eye drops or other alternative treatments, our study aimed to determine if remaining physically active can be an effective preventative measure against dryness." Fifty-two participants were divided into two groups--athlete and non-athlete--to participate in an exercise session. Participants in the athlete group exercised at least five times per week, while non-athlete participants exercised no more than once per week. Researchers, which included experts from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, performed visual examinations before and five minutes after each exercise session, where tear secretion and tear break-up time were assessed.
While the athletic group exhibited the greatest improvement, Otchere claims that all subjects significantly increased tear quantity and tear film stability following the exercise session.
"It can be challenging for people to regularly exercise when the demand is there to work increasingly longer hours in front of screens," Otchere said. "However, our findings show physical activity can be really important for not just our overall well-being, but for our ocular health too."
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