- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: January 11, 2025
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we often receive questions about natural ways to improve vision, particularly from patients with astigmatism. One common query is whether eye exercises can help alleviate the symptoms of astigmatism or even correct this refractive error. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the topic of eye exercises for astigmatism, their potential benefits, and what you need to know about managing this common vision condition.
Understanding Astigmatism
Before delving into eye exercises, it’s crucial to understand what astigmatism is and how it affects your vision.
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Instead of having a perfectly spherical shape (like a football), an eye with astigmatism has a more oval shape (like a rugby ball). This irregular curvature causes light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than a single point, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
Can Eye Exercises Cure Astigmatism?
It’s important to address a common misconception right away: eye exercises cannot cure astigmatism. Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by the physical shape of your eye, not by weak eye muscles. Therefore, exercises that aim to strengthen eye muscles will not change the shape of your cornea or lens.
However, while eye exercises can’t cure astigmatism, some people find that certain exercises can help alleviate eye strain and potentially improve overall eye comfort. Let’s explore some of these exercises and their potential benefits.
Eye Exercises for Astigmatism: Potential Benefits and Limitations
While not a cure, some eye exercises may offer benefits for individuals with astigmatism:
- Reduced Eye Strain: Certain exercises can help relax eye muscles, potentially reducing eye strain and fatigue.
- Improved Focus: Some exercises aim to enhance your eyes’ ability to focus, which may be beneficial for those with astigmatism.
- Enhanced Eye Coordination: Exercises that promote better eye coordination might help manage some symptoms associated with astigmatism.
It’s crucial to note that these exercises should not be considered a replacement for proper medical treatment or corrective lenses prescribed by an eye care professional.
Popular Eye Exercises for Astigmatism
Here are some exercises that are often suggested for individuals with astigmatism:
- Near and Far Focusing
This exercise aims to improve your eyes’ ability to shift focus between near and distant objects.
How to do it:
- Hold your thumb about 25 cm in front of your face.
- Focus on your thumb for 10-15 seconds.
- Then, shift your focus to an object 6 metres away for 10-15 seconds.
- Repeat this process 10 times.
- Figure of Eight
This exercise is designed to enhance eye muscle flexibility.
How to do it:
- Imagine a large figure of eight about 3 metres in front of you.
- Trace this imaginary figure with your eyes, slowly and deliberately.
- Perform this for 5 minutes, then reverse the direction.
- Palming
Palming is a relaxation technique that can help reduce eye strain.
How to do it:
- Rub your palms together to warm them.
- Place your palms gently over your closed eyes, without applying pressure.
- Ensure no light can enter your eyes.
- Hold this position for 5-10 minutes, focusing on deep, relaxed breathing.
- Eye Rolling
This exercise aims to improve the flexibility of your eye muscles.
How to do it:
- Sit comfortably and look straight ahead.
- Without moving your head, look up as far as possible.
- Slowly roll your eyes clockwise in a circular motion.
- Complete 5-10 circles, then repeat anticlockwise.
- Blinking Exercises
Regular blinking is crucial for eye health and can help reduce eye strain.
How to do it:
- Close your eyes tightly for 3-5 seconds.
- Open them for 3-5 seconds.
- Repeat this process 7-8 times.
The Importance of Professional Eye Care
While these exercises may offer some benefits in terms of eye comfort and reducing strain, it’s crucial to remember that they are not a substitute for professional eye care. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we emphasise the importance of regular eye examinations and appropriate vision correction for managing astigmatism effectively.
Proper Management of Astigmatism
The most effective ways to manage astigmatism include:
- Corrective Lenses: Glasses or contact lenses specially designed to compensate for the irregular corneal shape.
- Orthokeratology: A treatment that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea.
- Laser Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK can reshape the cornea to correct astigmatism permanently.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing symptoms of astigmatism or any changes in your vision, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we offer comprehensive eye examinations to diagnose astigmatism and other vision problems accurately.
Seek immediate attention if you experience:
- Sudden changes in vision
- Eye pain
- Severe headaches associated with vision changes
- Double vision
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Eye Health
While eye exercises for astigmatism may offer some benefits in terms of eye comfort and reducing strain, they should not be relied upon as a cure or primary treatment for this refractive error. The most effective way to manage astigmatism is through proper diagnosis and treatment by qualified eye care professionals.
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we’re committed to providing comprehensive eye care tailored to your individual needs. Our team of expert ophthalmologists uses state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat astigmatism and other vision problems, ensuring you receive the best possible care for your eyes.
Remember, your vision is precious. While incorporating eye exercises into your daily routine may offer some benefits, it’s crucial to maintain regular check-ups with your eye care professional. If you’re concerned about astigmatism or any other aspect of your eye health, we encourage you to book an appointment at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic. Let us help you achieve and maintain optimal vision and eye health.
