Archery can improve your eye health. Here's how
What's the story
Archery is more than a sport of precision and focus; it's an unlikely workout for your eyes! Hitting the bullseye in archery practice is not just satisfying but also beneficial for your eyes. This ancient sport requires sharp vision and concentration, and it turns out, it's a pretty good eye exercise. Discover five unexpected ways archery improves your eye health.
Focus
Improves focus and concentration
Archery demands extreme concentration, as archers must keep their gaze locked on their target for long stretches. This intense focus can act like a "workout" for the eye muscles responsible for focusing, just as physical exercise strengthens muscles in the rest of the body. With time, seasoned archers may notice improved focus in other areas of life too, all thanks to their regular "eye workout" in archery.
Coordination
Enhances hand-eye coordination
The key to striking a target is the harmonious synchronization of what one sees and how one moves their hands. Archery strengthens this connection by forcing the archer to repeatedly match their vision with accurate hand motions. This enhances hand-eye coordination and trains the eyes to follow moving objects more effectively, which can be advantageous in day-to-day activities.
Attention
Increases attention span
In a world of constant digital distractions, where our ability to focus is being eroded, archery stands as a powerful antidote. The discipline required to maintain your gaze on the target, waiting for the perfect moment to release, is a fundamental aspect of archery. With time, you may find that your improved attention span begins to positively impact other areas of your life.
Relief
Reduces eye strain from screen time
For those experiencing digital eye strain from prolonged screen time, engaging in outdoor activities such as archery can offer a refreshing break for fatigued eyes. Shifting focus from near objects (screens) to far distances (targets) can help mitigate eye strain symptoms by promoting changes in focal length and minimizing exposure to blue light emitted by digital devices.
Vitamin D
Promotes outdoor activity for vitamin D exposure
Spending time outdoors for archery allows individuals to benefit from natural sunlight, which is essential for the production of vitamin D. Sufficient levels of vitamin D are important for general health, and specifically, eye health. It boosts immune function and minimizes inflammation, indirectly contributing to eye health by preventing diseases linked to inflammation or immune dysfunction.