Eyes can become tired from long periods of concentrated use, particularly after using a computer for long periods of time. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of eye strain include a burning sensation, redness and sore and watery eyes. Resting eyes will commonly cure symptoms; however, having eye strain can be uncomfortable and make concentration difficult. A variety of relaxation and eye exercises can ease eye strain and can be practiced throughout the day.
Blinking Often
Blinking eyes increases lubrication. When working at a computer most people tend to decrease blinking resulting in dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly.
Relaxation
Place elbows on desk with palms facing up. Put forehead in palms with eyebrows resting on base of palms. Inhale slowly through nose and hold for 4 seconds---now exhale slowly through mouth. Repeat throughout the day.
Near and Far Excercises
Place your thumb 6 inches in front of face. Look at thumb and slowly inhale and exhale. Focus on an object 10 feet away, continue slow breathing exercises. Continue refocusing on thumb and distant object for ten intervals.
Scan Excercise
Slowly focus on objects in room. Scan objects without stopping by slowly moving eyes around the room. Continue to let eyes loosely move for 2 minutes. Focus on breathing slowly during the exercise.
Head Rolls
Close eyes and drop head to the chest. Slowly turn head to the right and roll head back. Continue rolling head until chin is at chest. Slowly turn head to the left and repeat exercise. Repeat exercise twice---rotating head to the left and right.
