"Shaking" Eyes For Vision Exercise

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
My husband thinks that moving his eyes rapidly back and forth is healthy for his eyes. I think it could strain them. Is he helping or hurting them by what some call "shaking" his eyes?

Answer:
This is a hold-over from an old notion in which wide swings of the eyes were somehow magically going to improve vision. Your husband remembers this as being of use and has adopted it in his health routine. He in fact is doing no harm and as long as it is socially acceptable, this habit is best treated by not drawing any attention to it.

Answered by: Richard Bensinger, MD

Categories: General Eye Health

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