Exercise can provide relief for dry, itchy eyes
Making time for regular exercise can make your eyes feel better

Date:
February 3, 2022
Source:
University of Waterloo
Summary:
Researchers have discovered that a significant increase in tear
secretion and tear film stability after participating in aerobic
exercise can be another remedy for relieving dry, itchy eyes.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A team led by researchers from the University of Waterloo discovered that
a significant increase in tear secretion and tear film stability after participating in aerobic exercise can be another remedy for relieving dry, itchy eyes.


========================================================================== Every time we blink, our eyes are covered in tear film -- an
essential protective coating necessary for maintaining healthy ocular
function. Healthy tear film comprises three layers-oil, water, and
mucin-that work together to hydrate the ocular surface and protect
against infection-causing irritants like dust or dirt.

When any part of the tear film becomes unstable, the ocular surface can
develop dry spots, causing eye symptoms like itchiness or 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 participants in the athlete group showed the largest increase,
Otchere says all participants experienced a meaningful boost in tear
quantity and tear film stability after 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." ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Waterloo. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Samuel Abokyi, Sekyere Nyamaah Mensah, Heinz Otchere, Yaw Osei
Akoto,
Michael Ntodie. Differential effect of maximal incremental treadmill
exercise on tear secretion and tear film stability in athletes and
non- athletes. Experimental Eye Research, 2022; 214: 108865 DOI:
10.1016/ j.exer.2021.108865 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220203083607.htm

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