Crossed Viewing Eye Exercises

Eyes are meant to work as a team, or as a pair. When one eye turns too far in one direction, the condition is called strabismum, more commonly known as crossed eyes. Crossed eyes can happen at any age, but typically occurs in children. Exercises can help to correct the condition so that one eye does not become lazy.

Patching

• If the crossed eye is lazy, or not moving, a doctor will likely prescribe a patch to be worn over the eye that is not crossed. This forces the lazy, or crossed, eye to work more, exercising the muscle and correcting the condition.

Vision Therapy

• Vision therapy is prescribed by an eye doctor and treatment takes place in the eye doctor's office. It entails a structured program of activities that help with eye coordination as well as focusing abilities. It causes the brain-eye connection to be re-established.

Open and Close

• Closing your eyes for three to five seconds and then opening them for three to five seconds is one way to exercise your eyes. Repeat this cycle seven or eight times. It helps to force your eye to focus, and will help to exercise the muscles that move your eyes.

Focus Practice

• Pick a spot six inches away from you in a room. Focus on the spot for ten to fifteen seconds. Then move your eyes to focus on something a little further away for ten to fifteen seconds. Repeat this several times. This helps to teach your eyes to focus and also works the muscles that surround the eyes.

Move Your Eyes

• For additional practice in moving your eye muscles, practice moving them. Focus on something to the right for ten to fifteen seconds. Then move your eyes to focus to the bottom, the left and then finally the top. Moving your eyes the full range will help with working the muscles and help to practice focusing your eyes in all directions.