Myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which you have difficulty seeing things that are far away. Although you may require contact lenses or glasses if you suffer from this condition, certain eye exercises may help to correct or improve your vision, according to the American Vision Institute.
Causes
Often thought of as a hereditary condition, because it tends to run in families, myopia is not genetic, although it may occur more frequently among families who do a lot of reading or close work, according to the American Vision Institute. Reading is considered to the primary cause of myopia. Certain exercises may prove effective against myopia because they can strengthen your vision and focusing power.
Types
Different exercises are helpful depending on the type of myopia you have. According to the American Vision Institute, low myopia occurs when you are just beginning to develop the condition. Exercises may prove helpful especially if you haven't yet decided to get corrective lenses. Moderate to high myopia encompasses everyone else who suffers from nearsightedness. Doing exercises may improve your vision or enable you to switch to a lower power corrective lens.
Considerations
The Bates method is generally considered as the foundation of eye exercises. It was developed by ophthalmologist William H. Bates over 100 years ago, states the Bates Association for Vision Education website Seeing.org. Dr. Bates used this method to combat a host of eye problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and "lazy eye."
Exercises
Certain exercises are used in the Bates method to improve vision by reducing strain, increasing attention to detail and relaxing the eye muscles and your overall body. According to the Bates Association for Vision Education, exercises such as palming can improve your vision by reducing strain and helping you to relax. Palming is a method in which you cover your eyes with the palms of your hands without pressure on your eyeballs. Your fingers should overlap. With your palms over your eyes, open your eyes to see if any light comes through your fingers. Make adjustments to prevent as much light as possible from coming through your fingers, then close your eyes and relax.
Warning
Eye exercises are not clinically proven to work and there is little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Do not use eye exercises against medical advice or as a replacement for conventional vision therapy. Discuss the use of eye exercises with your ophthalmologist.
