A focusing problem can occur for a variety of reasons. A lack of development in one eye can cause what is referred to as a lazy eye, resulting in a loss of focus. Convergence insufficiency is also a focusing problem, which occurs when the eyes do not turn inward to focus on items properly. A lack of focus from one object to the other can be caused by strain from reading, driving or using the computer for an extended period of time. Although there are exercises you can try to help your focusing problem, see a doctor if you experience eye pain or a sudden change in vision.
Near-Far Focus
Hold your thumb 6 inches from your nose and focus on it. Take a deep breath, exhale, and then focus on an object approximately 10 feet away. Take another deep breath and exhale, then focus on your thumb again. Visionworks USA suggests repeating this exercise back and forth 15 times, pausing to take a deep breath in between each time.
Scanning
Visionworks USA recommends scanning the edges of a room if you feel eyestrain or have trouble focusing. Keep your eyes moving loosely while you look at furniture, doors, lamps or whatever objects are at the edge of the room. Do this for 2 minutes while breathing in and out deeply.
Pencil Push-Ups
The Mayo Clinic states that pencil push-ups may help to improve focus, especially if you suffer from convergence insufficiency. Focus on a letter on the side of a pencil as you move the pencil closer to the bridge of your nose. Stop if you experience double vision. Repeat this exercise for 15 minutes each day. This exercise may also be done with a trained therapist.
Other Exercises
According to University of Iowa Health Care, crossword puzzles with small print or video games can help to improve focus, especially in children age 9 years or younger who have a lazy eye. The Mayo Clinic suggests that blinking often can help because dry eyes can often cause focusing problems. Tears moisten and lubricate your eyes, so try to purposefully blink whenever you have trouble focusing and when you are driving or on the computer.
