Eye Muscle Stimulation Can Delay the Need for Reading Glasses

You know you can exercise different parts of your body to increase muscle strength and improve overall health.  But did you know that you can exercise your eyes as well – and that it could even delay the need for reading glasses?

Presbyopia – an age-related condition that makes it difficult for an individual to see up close – causes the lens to become rigid, which prevents the eye from focusing and refocusing on objects based on their distance.  The most common treatment for this eye disease is reading glasses; however, researchers have discovered that eye muscle stimulation could present an intriguing alternative.

In a recent study, Italian researchers used electrostimulation to strengthen the eye’s ciliary muscle, which is responsible for contracting the lens when focusing on near and far objects.  Participants received regular electrostimulation treatments over the course of two months.  At the end of the treatment, researchers concluded that participants’ vision improved by 2 1/3 inches.

Researchers also noted that many participants had an improvement in the thickness of their lens and its curvature.

Maintenance treatments are needed in order to maintain these results.  Researchers suggested a treatment schedule of one session every two months.

To learn more about what steps you should take to help preserve your vision as you get older, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths at NewView Eye Center in Reston, Virginia.  Dr. Griffiths can provide you with lifesaving annual examinations and key advice that will keep your eyes healthy and happy well into your golden years.

NewView Eye Center also serves the greater Washington, DC areas.