From the Guidelines
Strength training does not improve cataract symptoms in menopausal women, as cataracts are a clouding of the eye's lens that occurs with aging and cannot be reversed through exercise. While strength training offers many health benefits for menopausal women, including improved bone density, muscle mass, and overall physical function, it does not directly affect the development or progression of cataracts 1. According to the 2022 study on cataract in the adult eye preferred practice pattern, published in Ophthalmology, preventive measures that impart even a modest decrease in the risk of cataract could have a large public health impact 1. However, the study found no evidence to support high doses of vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta-carotene in preventing development or progression of cataract, and there is currently no level 1 evidence to suggest that high-dose antioxidant supplementation slows cataract progression 1.
Some key points to consider in cataract prevention and management include:
- A well-balanced diet rich with fruits and vegetables is a reasonable recommendation based on observational studies 1
- Long-term increased physical activity and exercise may decrease the risk of cataract, but this is not specific to strength training or cataract symptoms in menopausal women 1
- Smoking is a risk factor for various types of cataracts, with a dose-response effect seen for nuclear sclerosis, and cessation of smoking reduces the risk of cataract development or progression and cataract surgery 1
- The presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of cataract or cataract surgery in numerous observational studies, and prevention and treatment of these conditions may reduce the risk of cataract 1.
If you're experiencing vision changes, consult an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than relying on exercise interventions for cataract management. Cataracts are typically treated with prescription eyeglasses in early stages and surgical removal of the clouded lens when vision becomes significantly impaired 1.
From the Research
Cataract Symptoms in Menopause
- Cataract symptoms can affect menopausal women, with lens opacification reducing vision in millions of people worldwide 2.
- However, there is limited research on the specific relationship between strength training and cataract symptoms in menopausal women.
Exercise and Menopause Symptoms
- Exercise programs, including aerobic and resistance training, may prevent or relieve problems such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, and depression in menopausal women 3.
- Strength exercises have been shown to improve symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, physical activity, bone density, and hormonal and metabolic levels 4.
- Yoga and aerobic exercise may also be beneficial for some menopause symptoms, although the evidence is inconclusive 5.
Strength Training and Cataract Symptoms
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that strength training improves cataract symptoms in menopausal women.
- However, strength training may have overall health benefits for menopausal women, including improving bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis 3, 4.
- Nutritional factors, such as vitamin C, lutein/zeaxanthin, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and multivitamins, may also play a role in reducing the risk of cataract 2.
- Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to have no effect on the incidence or progression of age-related cataracts 6.