With all the screen time we accumulate daily, it’s no wonder that eye strain, fatigue, and even blurred vision are becoming common issues. You may have heard about eye exercises as a natural remedy for these problems and perhaps even for improving your eyesight. But do these exercises really work? 

What Are Eye Exercises?

Eye exercises involve a series of movements designed to strengthen the eye muscles, improve focus, and relieve eye strain. They’re often recommended for people who experience digital eye strain, a condition resulting from prolonged screen use that can lead to discomfort and visual issues. Some common exercises include:
 

• Focus Shifting: Alternating between focusing on near and distant objects.
   

• Palming: Gently covering the eyes with your palms to rest them.
   

• Figure Eights: Tracing an imaginary “8” in the air with your eyes to improve flexibility.
   

• Near and Far Focus: Looking at an object close to you and then one far away to train focus.

These exercises are easy to perform and can usually be done anywhere, making them a popular choice for those looking for quick relief from eye discomfort.

What Eye Exercises Can Help With

Eye exercises are best for alleviating symptoms associated with eye strain rather than providing a permanent solution for vision correction. Here’s how they can be beneficial:
 

• Reducing Digital Eye Strain: Eye exercises can relieve the tired, dry feeling associated with digital eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule, which suggests taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away, is particularly effective for reducing screen-related discomfort.
   

• Improving Focus Flexibility: Shifting focus between near and far objects can help improve focus flexibility, which may reduce the sense of eye fatigue after tasks that require sustained focus, such as reading or using a computer.
   

• Managing Certain Vision Disorders: For individuals with specific visual conditions, such as strabismus (eye misalignment) or amblyopia (lazy eye), eye exercises might play a role in treatment. Optometrists may prescribe exercises as part of vision therapy, a customized program designed to strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination.

What Eye Exercises Cannot Do

Despite the benefits, eye exercises do have limitations. Here’s what they are generally ineffective at achieving:
 

• Permanent Vision Correction: Exercises won’t cure nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Refractive errors are due to the shape of your eye, not weakness in eye muscles, so exercises won’t change your prescription.
   

• Preventing Age-Related Vision Changes: Eye exercises can’t prevent presbyopia, the gradual loss of near vision due to aging. Presbyopia is a natural part of aging and usually requires reading glasses or multifocal lenses.
   

• Improving Visual Acuity:No exercise can increase the sharpness of your vision, which is largely determined by the structure and health of your eyes. If you have blurry vision, glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery are generally necessary for clearer sight.

Consulting with Your Eye Doctor 

While eye exercises can offer some relief from discomfort, they are not a cure-all. If you’re considering eye exercises for vision correction or managing a specific eye issue, consulting with an optometrist is crucial. They can provide guidance on whether eye exercises or a structured vision therapy program might be helpful for you.

Schedule a consultation with Clarity Vision to discuss your vision needs and find out what options may work best for you. Visit our office in Apex, North Carolina, or call (919) 367-2832 to book an appointment today.