A Clearer View: 7 Best Eye Exercises For Vertigo
Vertigo is dizziness or a spinning sensation that can be a symptom of an underlying condition.
It can cause disorientation, nausea, and imbalance.
Various factors, such as head injuries, inner ear disorders, and specific medications, can cause Vertigo.
While medication and physical therapy can effectively treat vertigo, you may also benefit from eye exercises.
These exercises aim to improve eye movements, coordination, and balance.
These exercises may include Brandt-Daroff, gaze stabilization exercises, single leg balance, and saccade exercises.
However, consulting with a healthcare expert before starting any exercise program is important.
This article will highlight the seven most effective eye exercises for vertigo.
Brandt-Daroff Exercise
The eye exercise involves repeatedly moving from a lying-down position to a seated position.
This can help with the symptoms of vertigo by promoting the brain’s ability to adapt to changes in balance.
These exercises may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with certain types of vertigo, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
A study published in the National Library of Medicine concluded that the Brandt-Daroff exercise could aid people with BPPV.
To perform this exercise,
- Sit at the end of your bed
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the right (so that your nose is pointed upwards) while lying on your left side
- Hold the position for 30 seconds until the dizziness fades
- Sit up and wait for 30 seconds
- Repeat on the other side
- Do this twice a day (five times each)
Epley Maneuver
It is a simple procedure that involves moving the head in a series of specific positions.
This will help in repositioning small calcium crystals in the inner ear.
As a result, you can narrow down the symptoms of vertigo by reducing the stimulation of the affected ear.
This will help the brain to readjust and maintain balance.
A study published in 2015 found that this exercise was more effective than medicines.
Make sure to perform this exercise only under supervision.
How to do,
- Turn your head 45° to the right by sitting at the end of your bed
- Maintain the head position by lying down
- Ask your therapist to support your neck and head
- Place your neck at a 30° extension and maintain the position for 30 seconds
- Now turn towards the right. Your therapist will assist you
- Hold this position for about 20-30 seconds
- Repeat on the left side
- To get up, maintain a 45-degree angle between your head and the rest of your body
- Flex your knees, drop your legs off the bed, and push yourself up with your hands
- Slowly turn your head to look straight.
Semont Liberatory Maneuver
The Semont Liberatory Maneuver is a technique that involves rapid and specific head movements to move loose calcium crystals out of the inner ear.
This can help you get relief from the symptoms of vertigo by repositioning the crystals to a location where they no longer cause balance issues.
As a result, this leads to improved balance and reduced vertigo.
To perform this action,
- Sit on the edge of your chair/bed
- Turn your head 45 degrees to the left
- Quickly lay on the right side and hold the position for a minute
- Now quickly go from lying on the right side to the left
- Keep your head orientation stable
- When lying on your left, you should be looking diagonally downward
- Hold this for a minute and slowly return to your sitting position with your head level for 10 minutes
- Repeat this once a day
Foster (Half Somersault) Maneuver
The Foster (Half Somersault) Maneuver is a self-treatment technique.
It can help the brain to adjust and maintain balance.
Here is how to do it.
- For the left half of Somersault, turn your head upwards so that your nose is facing the ceiling
- Hold for 30 seconds
- Lean forward, put the top of your head on the mat, and hold this position for 30 seconds
- For left-sided BPPV, turn your head such that your chin is facing your left elbow, hold for 30 seconds
- Rise up halfway and hold your head
- Now sit all the way up with your head upright
Gaze Stabilization Exercises
This eye movement exercises for vertigo and triple vision improve eye and head coordination.
It helps the brain to better interpret signals from the inner ear and eyes.
As a result, there is improved balance and reduced vertigo symptoms.
How to do,
- As the name suggests, you have to gaze at something
- Make a target (like X on a sticky note and place it on the wall)
- The target should be right in front of you
- Now keep eye contact and move your head slowly in opposite directions
- Start with 10-15 seconds and gradually raise the bars
Romberg Stance
The Romberg Stance treats vertigo by improving balance.
It involves standing with feet together, arms at the sides/fronts, and eyes closed.
This helps the brain to better integrate signals from the inner ear, eyes, and proprioception (sensory information from muscles and joints).
To do this,
- Stand with a chair by your side (for support if required)
- Bring your feets as close as possible and maintain balance
- Now swing back and forth and sideways too
- If you are facing difficulties, ask for assistance
- Do this for 30 seconds
Single Leg Balance
Single Leg Balance is a technique used to treat vertigo by improving balance and proprioception (body movements).
This technique helps the brain to better integrate signals from the inner ear, eyes, and muscle memory.
To do this,
- Stand on a flat surface with one leg
- Slightly bend your knee in line with the hip and ankle (don’t let your knee go in or out)
- Maintain this position for 30 to 60 seconds
- To increase the difficulty, use a foam pad to stand on and maintain balance
Conclusion
Eye exercises for vertigo can be a helpful complementary treatment.
They can improve eye movements and coordination, often disrupted during vertigo episodes.
However, it is crucial to note that eye exercises alone may not be sufficient to treat vertigo.
Your therapist may ask you to use them with other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy.
Additionally, receiving a proper diagnosis and following a comprehensive treatment plan for vertigo is important.
Remember that the underlying causes can vary and require individualized care.
Lastly, incorporating eye exercises for vertigo can improve balance and reduce symptoms, thereby leading to a better quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do eye exercises work for vertigo?
While eye exercises may not directly treat vertigo, they can help improve balance and reduce symptoms by enhancing the connection between the inner ear and the visual system. Eye exercises can improve eye and head coordination, allowing the brain to interpret signals better and maintain balance.
What are the best eye exercises for vertigo?
Brandt-Daroff, Foster (Half Somersault) Maneuver, and Romberg Stance are among the best eye exercises for vertigo. However, consult your doctor to know the best exercise for you.
Does closing one eye help with vertigo?
Closing one eye can help with vertigo symptoms in some people as it reduces the visual input. Thereby, it reduces the mismatch between the inner ear and the visual system. This can help the brain to better interpret signals and maintain balance.
Is vertigo an eye or ear problem?
Vertigo is most commonly caused by problems in the inner ear, specifically the vestibular system. However, it can also be related to eye problems, such as visual disturbances, eye muscle weakness, or eye coordination issues.
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