Could eye exercises help my eyes?

Eye exercises are a natural way to help counteract existing eye problems. While there is no scientific proof that they will improve eyesight, they may help to maintain your current level of vision.

The most common eye exercises

Focusing on near and far objects for 10-15 seconds
Moving your eyes slowly from left to right, up and down.
Gently massaging your eyes behind your eyelids

Find out more about using eye drops for tired eyes.

Do eye exercises really work?

Eye exercises have been around for decades, although just how effective they are is a subject that’s still up for debate. Eye exercise guides have claimed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses altogether, with very little evidence that shows they actually work.

That said, some doctors and optometrists will recommend eye exercises to help with problems such as eyestrain or tired eyes. Designed to both strengthen and relax the eye muscles, they can be used to give your eyes a welcome break before you continue to focus on a screen or page.

Which eye exercises should I try?

If you often find yourself suffering from tired, strained eyes, getting a professional eye exam from an optometrist should be your first step. They’ll let you know if you have any existing eye problems or issues which could be the underlying cause, or if certain eye exercises might help your situation.

Near and far focusing

Position yourself somewhere comfortable and hold your thumb out about 10 inches in front of your face. For about 10-20 seconds focus your eyes in on it, then immediately switch your focus on an object in the distance for about 10-20 seconds. Switch your focus back and forth five times, each time resting your vision for about 10-20 seconds before moving on.

Move your eyes in a figure eight

Imagine a large 8 on the floor or on a wall in front of you. Slowly trace the pattern of the figure eight with your eyes, allowing them to move gently in all directions. Once you have completed a couple of laps, try moving your eyes in the opposite direction for a while.

Zooming practice

Find somewhere comfortable to sit for a moment and stretch your arm out in front of you with your thumb up in the air. Focus on your thumb and gently begin to move it closer to your face, remaining focused on the tip of your thumb at all times. Once it’s about 3 inches from your face, slowly extend your arm again until it is fully outstretched.

Palming

A good way to finish your eye exercise is through palming. Simply close your eyes and press the palms of your hands gently against them to block out all the light for about three minutes. The idea is to let them cool down and rest for a little while as you take slow deep breaths in and out.