Regular exercise relieves dry, itchy eyes: Study

Exercise has been known for being beneficial for a number of reasons, including a healthy heart, keeping diabetes at bay and protecting from obesity. But what about dry and itchy eyes? A team led by researchers from the University of Waterloo has made some interesting discoveries about the same.

They 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. Their study, 'Differential effect of maximal incremental treadmill exercise on tear secretion and tear film stability in athletes and non-athletes' was published in the journal, 'Experimental Eye Research'.

The study was co-authored by Otchere, the University of Cape Coast's Samuel Abokyi, Sekyere Nyamaah, and Michael Ntodie, and Ghana's Our Lady of Grace Hospital's Yaw Osei Akoto.

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."