Eye Exercises to Correct Vision

A variety of vision disorders may afflict any individual, but eye exercises can be performed on a daily basis not only to keep eyes and eye muscles strong and healthy, but as a form of preventive care that can last from childhood to old age. Many people who notice failing vision immediately think glasses or surgery are the answers, while eye exercises may provide the same results. Eyes need regular and daily exercise, just like any other muscle in the body, in order to maintain optimal health and function.

Enhance Vision

• Reading and writing, sitting in front of a computer, and constantly watching for traffic as we drive often leaves us with tired, aching eyes. Exercises that relieve strain on the eyes will help improve vision in the long run by providing much needed stretching and flexing of eye muscles. Muscles hold the eye in place and also function for various vision needs. To increase our ability to shift focus from one object to another, both close and far away, try this type of exercise. Hold your finger about six inches away from the tip of your nose. Look at your finger and count to five, and then switch your focus to something about 20 feet away on the other side of the room, or the other side of your yard or other distant object. Stare at that object for about five seconds, and then look back to your finger. Do this about 20 times to start; increasing to 40 as your eyes get stronger.

Vision Problems

• Vision problems such as presbyopia (caused by the natural aging process) or a lazy eye (amblyopia) may be reduced and occasionally cured through proper eye exercises. For example, for a lazy eye, covering the good eye for several hours a day helps force the lazy eye to focus and become stronger. Through exercise, individuals with mild to moderate lazy eye problems literally see vast improvement within a couple of weeks.

  For conditions such as presbyopia, try eye exercises that help exercise and increase elasticity in the lens of the eyes. One such exercise is called the Lion Pose. Sitting on the heels, spread the fingers of the hands out like claws on your knees and open your mouth as wide as you can. Stick out your tongue, so it lays on the chin, and look upward with your eyes. All the face muscles will be stretched. Try to hold this pose for about five seconds to start, gradually increasing to 10. This may be difficult for those who don't exercise their eyes, so if you can't hold the eyes in that position for five seconds, start with two or three seconds. You'll gradually notice a difference in the eyes and be able to hold the pose longer. Close and rest the eyes for about 10 seconds between five or six repetitions.

Perception and Focus

• Vision perception and focus is important for eye health and function. Try visual games to keep the eyes stimulated at any age. For example, try some of the vision perception skills found at EyeCanLearn.com (find a link in the References section) for some fun, interactive ways to exercise the eyes. Eye exercises can be performed at home, at school, in the office, or before you go to bed at night. The important thing is to exercise your eyes like you would any other body part.