Will eye exercises help improve vision?

Why eye gymnastics is ineffective

The aforementioned diseases are caused by the imperfection of the eye optics, as a result of which the image is not clearly focused on the retina. To correct this disorder, doctors place a lens in front of the eye or perform an operation that changes the refractive power of the eye lens - the cornea.

No amount of exercise can correct the imperfect optics of the eye. Imagine a camera that we turn in our hands to the right, left, down, forward. Does this help to bring focus? No, sharpness will only appear as a result of changing the position of the lenses in the lens. Our eye focuses in the same way.

Therefore, you should not give up the correction of vision with glasses or lenses and pin high hopes on visual gymnastics. So you only postpone the moment of clear vision. And if this does not affect adults in any way (the quality of life will simply suffer), then in children, untimely prescription of glasses can lead to a delay in visual development and the formation of amblyopia - a "lazy eye". It is a disorder that can no longer be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Why do many believe gymnastics helps improve vision?

Stories about the benefits of visual gymnastics are told by those whose vision problems were mainly associated with functional disorders - with visual fatigue or dry eye surface. But in such cases, the correct glasses or contact lenses, frequent breaks when working with nearby objects, and the use of moisturizing drops would help.

Also, during the initial examination, an ophthalmologist or optometrist may incorrectly assess visual acuity. For example, if he did not conduct special tests for relaxation of the focusing apparatus of the eye (accommodation), then he may be mistaken and offer the patient glasses or contact lenses with a greater minus than actually needed.

If after that the patient was engaged in eye gymnastics, upon re-examination, the therapeutic effect can be attributed to her - although in fact, simply the tension of accommodation may be weaker than the last time. Therefore, the minus has become smaller, and gymnastics has nothing to do with it.

When visual gymnastics can help

The only indication for the appointment of visual gymnastics is the lack of convergence, which leads to difficulties in reading and writing. This is a condition in which eye movements are poorly coordinated while looking at near objects.

Visual gymnastics cannot replace glasses, although the idea is very tempting. If you have any vision problems, see an ophthalmologist. He will help you find a correction or treatment.