Regular runners have been found to have a lower rate of vision problems including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a new study.

Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory studied more than 41,000 runners for more than seven years to reach their conclusions.

In one investigation, they found that those who ran the most – more than 2.4 miles per day – were 54 percent less likely to develop AMD than those who ran the least – less than 1.2 miles a day.

And a second study reached similar conclusions about how running may benefit vision. Among male subjects, those who completed at least 5.7 miles daily were more than one-third less likely to suffer from cataracts than people who ran less than 1.4 miles per day.

Researcher Paul Williams said the findings suggest “vigorous exercise” may help people protect their eyes.

“In addition to obtaining regular eye exams, people can take a more active role in preserving their vision,” he suggested.

Previous research has linked obesity and smoking to AMD.