For almost a century, eye exercises have been promoted as a way to strengthen vision and ease nearsightedness and astigmatism. Some of the most popular techniques include eye-hand coordination drills, eye movement routines and focusing on blinking lights.
But several studies have concluded that many of these techniques are baseless. One such study found little evidence in support of vision exercises that supposedly slow or reduce myopia, ease dyslexia and correct conditions caused by physiological problems, like blurred vision. A similar conclusion was reached in a report that reviewed 43 previous studies, finding “no clear scientific evidence” for most of the methods reviewed.
But there are some areas of vision therapy that have been scientifically validated, including one called orthoptics. In this therapy, eye doctors prescribe exercises that can relieve double vision, focus problems and conditions like strabismus, also known as crossed eyes.
But while eye exercises may useful for some problems, they do not relieve myopia or dyslexia.