With the rise of screens in our daily lives, eye strain has become a common problem. This raises an often-asked question: can you exercise your eyes, much as you would your body muscles, to improve your vision or strengthen your eye muscles?
What exactly are eye muscles?
Our eyes have six extraocular muscles that enable them to move in all directions: up, down, left, right and diagonally. These muscles are very active and react quickly to track objects, adjust gaze and maintain stable vision.
There are also internal muscles, such as the ciliary muscle, which enables accommodation, i.e. adjustment of focus when looking at an object from near or far.
Can eye muscles be “strengthened”?
Yes... but only to a limited extent. Unlike arm or leg muscles, eye muscles don't hypertrophy (grow) with exercise. However, certain habits or exercises can help improve the coordination, flexibility and endurance of these muscles, especially in specific cases such as:
- Strabismus or double vision: Exercises prescribed by an eye care professional (orthoptist or optometrist) can improve eye movement control.
- Digital eye fatigue: Taking breaks and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet [6 meters] away for 20 seconds) can relieve accommodation muscles.
- Convergence problems: Some people find it difficult to keep their eyes turned inwards when reading close-up. Specific exercises can improve this ability.
Limitations of eye exercise
It is important to note that eye exercise does not correct refractive disorders such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia. These conditions are linked to the shape of the eye or the natural aging of the lens, not to muscular weakness.
Simple habits for healthy eyes
Even if exercise isn't a miracle solution, there are some simple things you can do to maintain eye health on a daily basis:
- Blink regularly to keep your eyes well hydrated.
- Reduce screen time or adjust lighting to avoid glare.
- Wear glasses or contact lenses as prescribed.
- Have your vision checked regularly by an optometrist
Eyes are not biceps, but they can still benefit from some training, particularly in situations where coordination or visual endurance is affected. If you experience frequent visual fatigue, headaches or difficulty concentrating, it's best to consult an optometrist. They will be able to recommend suitable exercises... or simply adjust your prescription.
