Cardiorespiratory fitness is among the strongest modifiable predictors of longevity, and VO₂ max carries greater prognostic weight for all-cause mortality than most conventional risk factors. Its relevance to vision is underappreciated.
The eye is a metabolically demanding, microvascular organ. The same fitness that lowers cardiovascular risk protects retinal and optic nerve tissue. Higher cardiorespiratory fitness and regular aerobic activity are associated with reduced incidence of age-related macular degeneration, primary open-angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy progression, and cataract. Fitter patients retain better retinal perfusion, healthier endothelial function, lower systemic inflammation, and improved glycaemic control — each a lever against sight-threatening disease.
This reframes exercise as genuine prevention for an outcome patients fear most: loss of sight and independence. VO₂ max offers an objective, trackable target that motivates behaviour change and helps stratify risk.
When you counsel patients on cardiovascular health, you are already protecting their eyes. Consider making VO₂ max part of that conversation, and refer early where retinal or optic nerve risk is emerging.
Brisbane Eye Clinic — partnering with GPs in preventive eye care.
