Myopia is the medical term for near-sightedness, where a person can see things up close very clearly, but objects in the distance are not so clear, according to the the American Optometric Association. For years, optometrists have stated that performing eye exercises could greatly improve myopia. This has since been challenged by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The group's position is that there is no clear evidence that performing eye exercises could reduce the effects of myopia.
Visual Training Exercises
There are various visual training exercises that have been used for sports training. These exercises are designed to focus the eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has stated that visual training does not improve myopia. It helps you learn how to identify images in a different way, as in blurred images, by making the images appear clearer due to a temporary change in mood.
Bates Method
Bates Exercises are the most well-known exercises for the treatment of myopia. These exercises were introduced my Dr. William Bates in the early part of the 20th Century. He believed that it was very important to use the mind as a tool to improve the vision. Palming, which where you place your palms over your eyes to shut out all light, is one of the exercises that was introduced by Bates. Sunning is where you close your eyes tightly and turn your face to the sun. There is no scientific proof that the Bates Method is effective in reducing myopia. The method is apparently based around the theory that the outside muscles control how we see, according to Dr. Richard E. Bensinger from the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.
Eye Movement Exercises
There have been claims over the years that eye routines such as rolling the eyes and looking at blinking lights can help reduce myopia. There has been no evidence to show that these exercise are effective, according to reports by "The New York Times" in 2009.
Considerations
Remember that there is no scientific evidence to prove that exercises can improve myopia. Therefore, it is always best to consult your optometrist before carrying out any eye exercises.
References
- American Optometric Association:Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- All about Vision: The See Clearly Method & Other Programs: Do Eye Exercises Improve Vision?
- The New York Times: REALLY?; The Claim: Eye Exercises Can Enhance Your Vision
- Heartland Healing Center: The Bates Method
- Vision Care: Eyes Exercise Vision
