Not just gadgets: This habit secretly damages your vision
The habit that may harm your eyesight revealed (photo: Freepik)
A sedentary lifestyle is gradually becoming a threat not only to your heart and blood vessels but also to your vision. Lack of movement and hours spent in front of screens can accelerate vision deterioration, even in people who previously had no eye problems, according to Eating Well.
How a sedentary lifestyle affects your eyes
Reduces mitochondrial function
The journal Eye notes that the retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, and its health depends on movement. Mitochondria—the energy centers of our cells are particularly abundant in metabolically active cells, such as eye cells.
They need a lot of energy to function properly and to protect the eyes from damage, such as UV radiation and environmental pollutants.
When people are sedentary, mitochondrial function declines faster over time, and inflammation increases compared to physically active individuals. This can lead to reduced energy in the eyes for repairing or preventing damage.
Increases inflammation
Physical activity supports proper blood circulation throughout the body, including in the eyes. Sedentary behavior is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, which is associated with several conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Inactivity worsens inflammation, accelerating eye aging and contributing to cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal degeneration.
People who spend long hours inactive in front of screens often get less fresh air and bright-light exposure, which also affects eye health.
Leads to insulin resistance
An active lifestyle helps the body remain sensitive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. A sedentary routine has the opposite effect, increasing insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control can lead to diabetic retinopathy if high blood sugar persists over time.
Other tips to protect and improve vision
Optimize your diet
A nutritious, balanced diet supports eye health. Focus on key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and carotenoids.
Good sources include leafy greens like spinach and kale, carrots, oranges, egg yolks, walnuts, and fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel.
Get enough sleep
Quality sleep allows your eyes to recover, supports healthy blood flow, and reduces inflammation—important factors for long-term eye health.
Limit screen time
Prolonged use of devices is linked to a higher risk of myopia in children and young adults. Take regular breaks and keep a comfortable distance from screens.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
