Can patients with strabismus exercise?

In general, individuals with strabismus can engage in physical activities, but they should choose appropriate exercises based on the type of strabismus, whether it has been corrected, and the characteristics of the specific activity, avoiding those that may harm the eyes or worsen symptoms. The details are as follows:

Strabismus primarily affects binocular visual coordination. Most routine exercises—such as running, swimming, jumping rope, and ball sports—do not directly exacerbate strabismus symptoms. On the contrary, these activities can improve physical fitness and benefit overall health. However, two situations require special attention: First, for patients with uncorrected strabismus who have significant visual discrepancies, double vision or inaccurate depth perception may increase the risk of injury during activities requiring precise visual judgment. Second, patients recovering from strabismus surgery should avoid high-impact or contact sports such as boxing or wrestling to prevent trauma to the eyes, which could compromise surgical outcomes. Typically, normal physical activity can be gradually resumed 1 to 3 months after surgery.

It is recommended that individuals with uncorrected strabismus or those considering surgery consult an ophthalmologist to determine suitable types of exercise. Postoperative patients should strictly follow medical advice and only resume physical activity gradually once eye healing is stable, ensuring they can enjoy the benefits of exercise while protecting their eyes.