Eye Exercises Strengthen Vision

Vision problems can cause uncomfortable and irritating side effects. Sometimes they aren’t severe enough to warrant a surgery, such as headaches and eye strain. There is another option, however, to relieve the symptoms: eye exercises.

Eye exercises are good for those who have trouble focusing, need to regain muscle control after eye surgery, are cross-eyed, have a lazy eye, experience double vision, or have a drifting eye. Therapeutic exercises can restore muscle control in the eye, reduce blurred vision, control sensitivity to light, and reduce eye strain.

Some examples of simple eye exercises that can be done from home include:

• Tightly close both eyes. Open and repeat.
• Use hot and cold compresses against the eyes while performing a light massage over the eyelids.
• Place several fingers over the eyelids and apply light pressure.
• Change focus from an object that is nearby to one that is far away.
• Roll eyes in one direction, then back the other way.
• Move the eyes up and down, looking at the ceiling, then at the floor (without moving the head.)
• Place palms over both eyes and hold for a few seconds to give the eyes a rest.

These eye exercises can be repeated several times a day to strengthen and protect the muscles. They are not helpful in all eye problems, however. There may be additional exercises available to assist with a specific eye problem as well. Get approval from an eye doctor before practicing at home.