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What are the Benefits of Eye Exercises?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Eye exercises can be used to address eye strain, and when supervised by a specialist, they can help people manage strabismus, as well as concentration and focus problems associated with vision. Claims that eye exercises can repair vision problems like near and farsightedness are unfounded, as the exercises do not change the shape of the eye and the lens, the underlying problem behind these visual impairments. People interested in using eye exercises can get advice from an eye specialist.

In the case of vision strain, such as that associated with working on computers, reading heavily, or doing fine detail work like jeweling, eye exercises can be very useful. Most exercises for strain involve periodically looking away to change the focal distance and moving the eyes around. This can help with problems like becoming shortsighted after years of close-up focusing. They can also address issues like eye pain, irritation, and soreness associated with computer work. Exercises for strain can be found on a number of websites and a doctor or ergonomics specialist can also provide assistance.

Eye exercises can be used to help relieve eye strain.
Eye exercises can be used to help relieve eye strain.

Corrective eye exercises designed to treat or manage an eye problem must be overseen by a specialist. One example is exercises used in children with strabismus, where one eye wanders or squints. Providing people with a series of exercises to strengthen the eyes and improve focusing abilities can be used to treat this condition and can also sometimes help with problems like double vision caused by eyes wandering out of position.

People who stare at a computer screen all day may benefit from exercises to strengthen eyesight.
People who stare at a computer screen all day may benefit from exercises to strengthen eyesight.

Likewise, some consultants provide information on exercises intended to help people focus and retain visual information more effectively. Sometimes, people who have trouble reading or absorbing visual information can benefit from eye exercises, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. Careful evaluation to check for issues like poor vision, visual processing disorders, and other issues is needed to confirm that eye exercises are a suitable approach to treatment.

People prescribed eye exercises should get detailed instructions and follow them closely for the best results. An improvement should be noted over time, and a doctor may adjust the exercises as needed as the patient's condition evolves. If the exercises are hard to do or a patient has trouble using them consistently, the doctor should be consulted to get advice on more suitable or easier exercises, as an indifferently applied regimen will not be as effective. Patients may also find it helpful to do things like performing exercises at the same time or in the same environment every day to make it easier to stick with the program.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Eye exercises can be used to help relieve eye strain.
      By: Dirima
      Eye exercises can be used to help relieve eye strain.
    • People who stare at a computer screen all day may benefit from exercises to strengthen eyesight.
      By: JPC-PROD
      People who stare at a computer screen all day may benefit from exercises to strengthen eyesight.