To keep good eyesight, adopt a healthy lifestyle

Eye health requires a general state of good health. This is, in essence, what a study conducted by American researchers and published on August 19 in theAmerican Journal of Medicine. A study that confirms the link between sight and health while in 2017, a smartphone application makes it possible to detect possible pancreatic cancer by taking a selfie with cardboard glasses.

97% less risk of suffering from diabetic retinopathy

For this study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 6,000 adults aged 40 years. They took over the seven factors of cardiovascular health from the American Heart Association which are tobacco, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, a normal and stable weight, stabilized cholesterol, blood sugar levels as well as blood pressure. “Previous studies have shown associations between eye diseases and lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity or hypertension”, says Duka Appiah, lead author of the study, who adds that no link has yet been established between good health and eye diseases.

The results showed that the risk of developing macular degeneration, such as cataracts or glaucoma, is lower in people who lead a healthy lifestyle. More impressively, the researchers realized that people with good habits and good cardiovascular health have a 97% lower risk of suffering from diabetic retinopathy, a disease characterized by the bursting of the retinal vessels, in particular because of of excess blood sugar. “The prevention and early detection of eye diseases are essential because half of the deaths linked to these pathologies and to cardiovascular diseases could be avoided.”, concluded Duka Appiah.