A team led by researchers from the University of Waterloo discovered that aerobic exercise brings a significant increase in tear secretion and tear film stability, relieving dry, itchy eyes. 

“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 treatments, our study aimed to determine if remaining physically active can be an effective preventative measure against dryness.” 

Fifty-two participants were grouped as athletes and non-athletes to participate in an exercise session. Participants in the athlete group exercised at least five times per week, while non-athletes exercised no more than once per week. Researchers, including experts from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, assessed tear secretion and tear break-up time prior to and five minutes after each exercise session. 

While participants in the athlete group showed the largest tear increase, Otchere said all participants experienced a meaningful boost in tear quantity and tear film stability after exercise. The study, ‘Differential effect of maximal incremental treadmill exercise on tear secretion and tear film stability in athletes and non-athletes’, was published by Experimental Eye Research.