Eye exercise myths: palming, the Bates method and throwing away your glasses

The short answer

Eye exercises cannot replace glasses or reverse nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says there is no convincing evidence that exercises, palming or the Bates method improve uncorrected eyesight. Supervised eye exercises do help one condition: convergence insufficiency.

Myth: exercises let you throw away your glasses

Glasses correct blur caused by the shape of the eye. Exercises cannot change that shape. Stopping glasses you need can cause headaches and eye strain, and is unsafe for activities like driving. Eye care organisations consistently advise keeping the correction your eye doctor prescribes.

Myth: the Bates method improves eyesight

The Bates method, developed in the early 1900s, claims eye relaxation techniques can cure refractive errors. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says there is no evidence it improves vision.

Myth: palming strengthens your eyes

Palming means covering closed eyes with warm palms. Many people find it relaxing, and a short rest is harmless. It does not strengthen the eyes or improve eyesight.

Myth: eye exercises fix dyslexia

A joint position from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology groups states that vision therapy does not treat learning disabilities. Children with reading problems should still have an eye exam, alongside an educational assessment.

What does help

• Regular eye examinations and up-to-date glasses or contact lenses.
• Screen breaks such as the 20-20-20 rule for comfort.
• Supervised therapy for convergence insufficiency.

Back to our complete guide to eye exercises.