Working Out Might Relieve Dry Eye, a new study suggests

Available for Interviews: Dr. James Kelly

James R. Kelly, MD, is a comprehensive ophthalmologist offering a wide variety of procedures in the NYC and Long Island areas. He is extraordinarily specialized and provides personalized, one-on-one care for his patients.

What James Kelly can say in an interview about
Exercise and Its Correlation in Relieving Dry Eye:

“Dry eye” is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Now, a new study suggests that exercise or working out might help relieve its symptoms.

• • We are at the time of the year when people’s eyes get dry. When that happens, we tear up. The eyes are making moisture to help. This can be an inconvenience to have drippy eyes during the day. Drops have been the go-to for helping people, but a new study suggests that working out can have an added benefit.
  • A new study worked with athletes and non-athletes. The athletes exercised on a treadmill at least five times a week, while non-athletes did so no more than once a week. The moisture level of both groups’ eyes showed an increase in tear quality.
  • Instead of having to use eye drops or other alternative treatments, the study aimed to determine if remaining physically active can be an effective preventative measure against dryness.
  • Every time you blink, your eyes get covered in tear film, a protective coating that’s crucial for maintaining healthy eye function. Healthy tear film is made of three layers—oil, water, and proteins called mucin—that work together to hydrate the eye surface and protect against irritants like dust or dirt.
  • When any part of the tear film becomes unstable, the eye surface can develop dry spots, causing symptoms like itchiness or stinging and burning sensations.

It can be challenging for people to regularly exercise when the demand is there to work increasingly longer hours in front of screens, however, the findings show physical activity can be really important for not just our overall well-being, but now for our ocular health, too.

ScienceDirect Study:

Differential effect of maximal incremental treadmill exercise on tear secretion and tear film stability in athletes and non-athletes

US News & World Report Article:

Exercise Might Help Relieve ‘Dry Eye’