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    Everyday eye care

    Can eye exercises improve your eyesight? Myths and facts

    Eye exercises cannot cure short sight or remove the need for glasses. Here is what they can and cannot do, and what genuinely helps your eyes.

    Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinay Patil, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology), founder of Sankalp Nethralaya. Last reviewed .

    Videos and apps often promise that eye exercises will restore perfect vision. Unfortunately, focusing errors are caused by the shape of the eye, which exercises cannot change.

    Myths

    • “Exercises can cure myopia.” Short sight is due to the length of the eyeball. Exercises do not change it.
    • “Palming and eye rolling remove the need for glasses.” They may feel relaxing, but they do not correct vision.
    • “Wearing glasses makes eyes lazy.” Glasses do not weaken eyes.

    Where exercises genuinely help

    • Convergence insufficiency, where the eyes struggle to work together up close, causing strain when reading
    • Certain types of squint, alongside other treatment
    • Rehabilitation after some eye or brain conditions

    These are prescribed after a proper assessment.

    What does help your eyes

    • The 20-20-20 rule during screen work
    • The correct, up-to-date prescription
    • Outdoor time for children
    • Regular eye check-ups

    Frequently asked questions

    Can yoga improve eyesight?

    Yoga can help relaxation and general health, but it cannot correct focusing errors or treat eye diseases.

    Are there exercises for lazy eye?

    Lazy eye is mainly treated with glasses and patching. Some activities support treatment, as advised by your doctor.

    Sources

    1. Refractive errors, National Eye Institute (NIH)
    2. Keep your eyes healthy, National Eye Institute (NIH)
    This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.

    Book an eye check-up at a clinic near you.