Is eye massage helpful for myopia?

Generally, massage cannot cure myopia or reduce refractive error, but appropriate massage may help relieve eye fatigue and improve ocular blood circulation. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If individuals with myopia experience symptoms of eye fatigue such as eye pressure, dryness, or soreness due to prolonged near-work, gently massaging acupoints around the eyes (such as the temples and Jingming points) may promote blood flow, relax the muscles surrounding the eyes, alleviate fatigue, and provide temporary comfort. This can help prevent indirect negative impacts on vision caused by worsening fatigue. However, it does not alter the structure of the eyeball or reduce myopia degree.

If one expects massage to cure myopia or reduce refractive error, or applies excessive pressure or improper techniques during massage, not only will the desired effect not be achieved, but it may also compress the eyeball or damage the surrounding skin and blood vessels. Particularly for individuals with high myopia, whose eyeball walls are thinner, improper massage could even increase the risk of complications such as retinal detachment, thereby posing harm to eye health.

When massaging the eyes daily, pressure should be carefully controlled and gentle techniques used. Myopia correction should still rely on professional methods (such as glasses or surgery), rather than on massage. In case of sudden vision decline or eye discomfort, prompt medical evaluation is essential to avoid delaying timely intervention.