Diminishing eyesight is a part of life that you may already be experiencing. You don't see as clearly as you once did, your eyes become strained easier or you are interested in improving your vision. Instead of rushing off to the doctor's office, you can help your eyesight by performing exercises on a daily basis. Although these eye exercises should not replace medical attention for serious eye conditions, they can help to relax and tone the muscles of your eyes.
Relief Exercises
If you work at a computer each day, it is important to give your eyes a rest from the computer screen. According to Mayo Clinic, you should take a 20-second break every 20 minutes. Move away from your desk, look at something else or use this time to make much needed phone calls. Close your eyes for a few seconds to rest your eyes. Mayo Clinic also recommends blinking more often. Make it a habit to blink more than usual when you are working at a computer screen. Blinking helps to keep your eyes lubricated.
Focus Exercise
This exercise helps to strengthen your eyes by changing the object you are looking at. Look at an object that is at the further point in the room for 10 to 15 seconds. Immediately look at an object that is directly in front of you for 10 to 15 seconds. Continue switching your focus back and forth on these two objects for 10 repetitions. According to Dr. Jilber Fouladian, this exercise will help prevent accommodative spasm that causes your eyes to lock their focus.
Palming
Palming is a relaxation exercise that provides rest for your eyes. This exercise can be done multiple times a day but should be done at least once daily. At first, you may find it hard to feel relaxed, but over time, palming will become easier and more comfortable. Sit comfortably with your arms resting on a pillow on top of a table in front of your body. Cup your hands over your eyes with your fingertips resting on your forehead. Keep your hands relaxed without applying pressure onto your face. Open your eyes and see if there is any light coming through your fingers. Adjust your hands until there is complete darkness. Palm for five to 15 minutes per session.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Eyestrain Prevention
- Westwood Eye Center: Computer Eyestrain
- Seeing: The Bates Method
