People who must squint to make out objects or signs down the street or across the room have a condition called myopia, or nearsightedness. This condition allows you to see objects that are relatively near, but depending on your vision, objects more than a few yards away may appear blurry. Nearsightedness occurs gradually in most individuals, according to the Mayo Clinic, and may be diagnosed early by your eye doctor. A few simple exercises may help improve your vision.
Focus
Sitting comfortably, extend your right thumb or a pencil out in front of you, holding it about 6 inches away from the nose, suggests optometrist Dr. Marc Grossman. Don't stare at the thumb or pencil, but look at it and then shift your gaze to something on the other side of the room. Gaze at that object for a few seconds and then shift your focus back to your thumb or pencil. Repeat this exercise between 5 to 10 times at each sitting. As you feel your ability to focus on distant objects in the room improves, fasten your gaze on objects further away. If you sit at a computer all day, take several breaks and practice this exercise for eye strain relief.
Zooming
Stand or sit, extending your thumb out in front of you, arm fully extended. Look at the thumb and then pull your arm inward, keeping the thumb at eye level. Keep your eyes focused on the thumb as it comes closer to your face, suggests Dr. Grossman. Stop moving the hand inward when your thumb is approximately 3 inches from your nose. Immediately extend the arm again, keeping the eyes focused on the thumb the entire time. Start with slow extension and flexing movements of the hand, and then increase speed as you feel your tracking and focus improves.
Dodge Ball
Hang a ping-pong or tennis ball from your ceiling so that it's at eye level. This exercise helps the eye warm up and perform fluid tracking movements that will help eye muscles adjust between near and far distance as the ball moves. Stand at least arm's length form the ball after setting it into a circular or back and forth motion, tracking its moves until it stops swinging, suggests Eye Exercises for Better Vision. As your tracking improves, practice your reflexes and your eyes at the same time by standing near the ball, swinging it in motion and then dodging it as it comes near you, without moving your feet.
