Posted by: Clemson Eye in Media Releases
GREENVILLE, SC, May 21, 2013 – The importance of regular exercise to eye health is not well understood by most Americans, according to Spectrum Lasik, a Clemson Eye company.
“Multiple recent scientific studies show the positive effects of exercise help protect against eye disease, yet most Americans are unaware of this important link,” says Dr. Joseph Parisi, chief ophthalmologist and medical director at Clemson Eye.
“Regular exercise can protect against cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma; three leading causes of vision loss in the United States. It also has indirect protective effects on your visual health, as many eye diseases are linked to other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity – all of which can be avoided or mitigated through regular exercise,” says Dr. Parisi.
Studies also show increased participation levels in cycling in the United States. Based on the most recent data available, the number of people who use their bikes to commute rose 64 per cent over the past two decades. But cycling levels are more concentrated in larger cities, and still low in suburban areas. Unfortunately, South Carolina trails most other states in the number of its citizens who cycle for fun, fitness and transportation.
In a 2012 Benchmarking Report, South Carolina ranked a distant 40th in its cycling levels. “This is surprising given the incredible network of excellent cycling trails across South Carolina and, in particular, in the Upstate,” says Dr. Parisi, himself an avid cyclist.
“Most Saturdays, my wife, friends and I go for long cycles. I truly believe there is no better way to enjoy our beautiful state and keep fit,” he says.
According to Spectrum Lasik, there are three excellent reasons to get on your bike this season. First, lessen your chances of developing eye disease. Second, the Upstate has some of the best cycling trails and paths in the country. Third, one lucky cycling enthusiast could win free laser eye surgery courtesy of Spectrum Lasik.
“Cycling is an all-around great workout, whether you do it to get to work or for recreation,” says Dr. Parisi. “To encourage more of our patients and community members to cycle for their visual health, we have set up a ‘Cycle into Free Lasik’ contest, where a lucky cycling enthusiast from the Upstate could win free laser eye surgery. The winner will no longer be encumbered by foggy glasses or scratchy contact lenses when they cycle the Upstate.”
Upstate residents of South Carolina enter the contest by telling Spectrum Lasik how cycling has benefited them, their friends, family or community. Their story submissions can be made at spectrumlasik.com.
The contest runs through to September 2013 and more information can be found at spectrumlasik.com.
Photographs and interviews with Dr. Parisi and Upstate cycling enthusiast Kristen Weinacker are available upon request.
Spectrum Lasik is a Clemson Eye company. Clemson Eye has been a leading provider of visual health for Upstate residents for the past 30 years, providing them with comprehensive ophthalmologic and LASIK services. Clemson Eye has five convenient locations and its
American Board Certified Ophthalmologists have performed more than 50,000 cataract, LASIK and microsurgical procedures.
