According to Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D., creator of "Magic Eye Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision," more than 50 percent of computer users experience eyestrain. Symptoms include headaches and blurred vision as well as diminished distance vision. The human eye is designed for distance vision and tracking movement for hunting and spotting game. However, with the advent of computers, all of our visual focus has shifted to short distances, less than an arm's length. Additionally, many computer work stations are not ergonomically sound, with bad lighting, screen glare and seating that contributes to poor posture---all of which contribute to eyestrain. The Mayo Clinic advises that it isn't serious and usually goes away once you rest your eyes. But there are also several exercises that can help relieve it.
Near-Far Focus
Focus on a object about six inches from your nose, like your thumb or a pencil. Take a deep breath, exhale slowly and shift your focus to an object about 10 feet away. Take another deep breath, exhale and focus on the near object. Repeat back and forth up to 15 times.
Thousand-Mile Stare
This exercise works best outside. Stand or sit comfortably and look into the distance as far as you can. Allow your eyes to relax and focus on the detail of distant objects, especially moving objects. Let your vision expand as far as possible.
Scanning
Sitting or stand at one end of a room and let your eyes scan around the edges of objects in the room. Don't focus on any one object, keep your eyes moving around the room. Do this for at least two minutes, moving the eyes in a loose fluid way.
Tracking Cars
Stand about ten feet back from a busy, two-way street. Pick a moving vehicle in the distance and track it until it passes you. Then, pick another vehicle from the other direction and track it back. Move your eyes as well as your head. You can also go to a public place and watch people or animals moving about, keeping your eyes moving in a loose fluid manner.
Eye Rolls
Roll your eyes in slow circles to the left 10 times. Then rotate 10 times to the right.
