The effectiveness of eye exercises depends on what condition you're treating. They might help to some extent with minor eye issues. But still, eye exercises are not a one-size-fits-all fix for every vision problem, especially if you want to get rid of your glasses or contacts.
Conditions Where Eye Exercises May Potentially Help
Strabismus (Eye Misalignment)
Certain eye exercises can be somewhat beneficial to patients with eye misalignment (Intermittent Exotropia - a condition where one eye deviates outward when subjected to extensive periods of near work). In some mild cases of strabismus, vergence and pencil push-ups may improve eye coordination. Moderate and severe cases of strabismus require interventions and will not improve with eye exercises.
Convergence Insufficiency
Convergence insufficiency is the difficulty in maintaining eye alignment for near tasks. This is one of the most evidence-supported areas for eye exercises. Structured programs, like orthoptics or vision therapy, show relatively promising results in focusing and eye-teaming ability.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Eye exercises alone can't fix lazy eye. Even so, children with amblyopia can fit them into their routine along with patching therapy, which encourages the brain to use the affected eye more.
Conditions Where Eye Exercises Are Ineffective
Refractive Errors (Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism)
The cause of refraction errors is the eye's inability to bend light onto the retina. That's a result of irregularities in the corneal shape, lens curvature, or the length of the eyeball. Respectively, eye exercises cannot change the physical characteristics of the eyes, so they won't correct these issues.
Presbyopia (Age-related Near Vision Loss)
Age-related loss of near-focusing ability is a physiological process. Needless to say, eye exercises can't reverse the natural stiffening of the lens with age, also known as presbyopia.
Pathological Conditions
Diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy do not benefit from eye exercises. They require strictly medical or surgical treatment.
Misconceptions About Eye Exercises
"Eye exercises can cure all vision problems": False. While exercises might help specific functional issues, they don't alter the fundamental anatomy of the eye.
"Bates Method is effective": Claims about unscientific methods (e.g. the Bates Method) improving vision lack robust clinical evidence.
In 2013, the AAO conducted a detailed review of visual training methods. The scientific results show no evidence eye exercises impact refractive errors. The review states, "No evidence was found that such techniques could objectively benefit eyesight."
A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 assessed the impact of eye exercises on nearsightedness prevention and control. The analysis took into account 11 studies with a total of 921 participants.
The findings showed that eye exercises did not significantly improve visual acuity. The authors concluded there is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of eye exercises in preventing or controlling nearsightedness progression.
Why Some People Are Convinced Eye Exercises Fixed Their Eyesight?
We attribute the belief that some people "fixed" their diopters (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism) through eye exercises to a combination of psychological factors, temporary physiological changes, and misinterpretation of results.
1. Relaxation of Ciliary Muscles & Temporary Eye Strain Relief
Some eye exercises focus on relaxing the ciliary muscles which control the eye's lens. This can temporarily improve focus and reduce eye strain symptoms. The temporary relief leads individuals to believe their vision improves, even though it is temporary.
2. Placebo Effect & Confirmation Bias
A belief in eye exercise effectiveness can cause a placebo effect of perceived improvements, even without physiological changes. Also, people who are motivated to "cure" their vision may selectively notice times when their vision seems clearer, further reinforcing the wrong belief eye exercises are working.
3. Variability in Vision Testing
Testing your own vision may not be consistent or accurate. When measuring changes, the lack of diagnostical knowledge contributes to an overestimation of progress. Another interesting fact is, that vision can naturally fluctuate. Changes in eyesight may occur due to fatigue, hydration, or stress levels. So it's giving the impression of false improvement on some days.
4. Misinterpretation of Results
Temporarily sharpening focus through active accommodation (adjusting the lens) may feel like a permanent improvement. But it doesn’t change the refractive error. What's more, better lighting, reduced glare, or less screen use during eye exercise regimens can boost vision without altering diopters.
5. Pseudoscientific Claims
Programs like the Bates Method promote unsupported claims of reversing refractive errors. The persuasive language and testimonials can convince people of "success" despite a lack of scientific evidence. Ophthalmic organizations continue to debunk eye exercise claims.
In summary...
Eye exercises may relieve specific functional issues like convergence insufficiency but are ineffective for structural problems like refractive errors or pathological eye conditions. Claims of reversing diopters are largely unsupported by scientific evidence. We ask our audience to be more critical of other sources claiming eye exercises are a miracle solution.
If you want to learn more about eye health, visit our ophthalmology blog.
Resources:
✅ Medically reviewed
Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.