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7 Squint Eye Exercises

Reviewed by - Dr. Samhitha H R

Dr. Samhitha H R (MBBS, MS, DNB, FAICO) is a Surgeon specializing in Oculoplasty, Pediatric & Squint. She has 7 years of experience, with long-term training in these fields and a special interest in orbital diseases and eyelid procedures.

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Nethradhama is a leading eye care hospital and 24×7 eye trauma centre in Bangalore. The facility offers advanced diagnosis and management for squint eyes. In some cases, consistent squint eye exercise routines can support muscle control and improve eye coordination. 

Understanding Squint Eye

Squint, or strabismus, occurs when both eyes fail to align in the same direction. It may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, affecting depth perception and clear vision. Causes range from muscle imbalance and uncorrected refractive errors to nerve weakness or childhood visual development issues.

Mild squints can often be managed with squint treatment without surgery, especially when detected early. Regular check-ups and supervised exercises can improve focus.

How Do Squint Eye Exercises Work?

A squint eye exercise routine trains both eyes to coordinate and maintain alignment. These include:

  • Strengthen the extraocular muscles that control eye movements.
  • Encourage binocular vision and depth perception.
  • Improve convergence and divergence control during near or distant focus.
  • Reduce fatigue caused by constant focusing strain.

Top 7 Exercises for Squint Eye Correction

Each squint eye exercise below targets coordination and focus. Always perform these under professional guidance and stop if you experience discomfort.

Squint Eye Exercises

1. Pencil Push-Ups

Benefits of Pencil Push-Ups

This is often regarded as one of the best exercises for squint eyes. It helps strengthen convergence by training both eyes to focus on a single near object, reducing eye drift during close-up tasks.

How to Perform Pencil Push-Ups Exercise?

  1. Hold a pencil at arm’s length.
  2. Focus on its tip, slowly bringing it closer to your nose.
  3. Stop when the image doubles, then move it back slightly until it’s single again.
  4. Repeat 10–15 times daily.

2. Focus Shifting

Benefits of Focus Shifting

This exercise to cure squint eye improves flexibility when switching between near and far objects, helping reduce focusing fatigue.

How to Perform Focus Shifting Exercise?

  1. Hold a small card at 30 cm distance.
  2. Focus on the card for 5 seconds, then shift gaze to a far object.
  3. Alternate between near and far for 10–12 cycles.
  4. Keep your breathing steady and posture relaxed.

3. Eye Tracking

Benefits of Eye Tracking

This squint eye treatment exercise strengthens muscles responsible for smooth eye movement and coordination.

How to Perform Eye Tracking Exercise?

  1. Without moving your head, follow a pen moving left to right and up to down.
  2. Keep the motion slow and controlled.
  3. Focus on clarity rather than speed.
  4. Repeat for a few minutes, twice a day.

4. Cover–Uncover Exercise

Benefits of Cover–Uncover Exercise

This drill encourages both eyes to work together and helps identify which eye tends to drift. It’s among the most effective exercises to correct squint eyes.

How to Perform Cover–Uncover Exercise?

  1. Focus on a fixed object straight ahead.
  2. Cover one eye for 5 seconds, then uncover it while covering the other.
  3. Continue alternating for several repetitions.

5. Pendulum Swing

Benefits of Pendulum Swing

This exercise for squint builds coordination and smooth pursuit movement while maintaining clear vision during motion.

How to Perform Pendulum Swing Exercise?

  1. Hang a small object like a keychain on a string.
  2. Let it swing gently from side to side.
  3. Follow the moving object with your eyes, not your head.
  4. Perform for 2–3 minutes daily.

6. Brock String Exercise

Benefits of Brock String Exercise

Used in vision therapy, this is one of the most effective squint correction exercises. It enhances binocular vision and awareness of eye alignment.

How to Perform Brock String Exercise?

  1. Tie a string to a fixed point and hold the other end at your nose.
  2. Place coloured beads at near, mid, and far points.
  3. Focus on each bead in sequence, ensuring you see one bead and two crossing strings forming an “X.”
  4. Practise for 5–10 minutes daily.

7. Barrel Card Exercise

Benefits of Barrel Card Exercise

This technique strengthens convergence and divergence, making it a trusted eye exercise for squint eye management.

How to Perform Barrel Card Exercise?

  1. Hold the barrel card at nose level.
  2. Focus on the nearest set of barrels until you see a single clear image.
  3. Shift focus to the next set of barrels and repeat.
  4. Practice several times a day.

When to Seek Professional Treatment for Squint Eye?

While consistent squint eye exercises can enhance coordination, professional assessment is crucial if you notice:

  • Persistent or worsening misalignment
  • Double vision or headaches
  • Trouble focusing despite regular exercise
  • Any squint visible in children under six

Your ophthalmologist may suggest glasses, prisms, or surgery if needed. LASIK corrects refractive errors but does not fix muscle imbalance. Nethradhama’s specialists can design a personalised squint eye exercise program or recommend advanced squint treatment without surgery when appropriate.

FAQs on Squint Eye Exercise

Yes, certain squint eye exercises can improve alignment in mild cases. However, severe squints may need medical or surgical treatment.

In mild or intermittent squints, consistent  squint eye exercise routines can strengthen eye muscles. Severe or long-standing misalignments usually require surgical intervention.

Mild cases can improve naturally with regular exercise for squint and proper eye rest. But medical guidance ensures the safest and most effective results.

Perform each squint eye exercise for 10–15 minutes daily.

Yes. Children’s visual systems are more adaptable, and early eye exercises for squint correction can prevent amblyopia or lazy eye.

No. Both children and adults can benefit from exercises to correct squint eyes, though routines vary with age and condition.

Incorrect practice may cause strain or double vision. Always follow professional instructions when performing any squint eye treatment exercise.

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