Like many individuals, you may take your eyes for granted until you experience vision problems or eye discomfort. Eye exercise may help treat some types of eye problems. Certain medical conditions, such as lazy eyes and strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, require professional diagnosis and treatment. Other types of eye and vision problems, such as eye fatigue from work-related tasks, may benefit from exercises you can do in your own home.
Step 1
Exercise your eyes regularly when performing close-up tasks, such as computer work, reading and knitting. While the involuntary muscles in your eyelids cause you to blink frequently during most activities, AllAboutVision.com warns that working at a computer may cause you to blink about five times less than normal. Set a timer when you plan to be at your computer for long stretches of time. Program your timer to remind you to exercise your eyes every 20 minutes.
Step 2
Look away from the object of your focus when your timer sounds. After 20 minutes of close-up work, change the object of your focus. Gaze for 20 seconds on an object about 20 feet away.
Step 3
Close your eyes very slowly, as if you were gradually falling asleep. Once your eyes close completely, begin to open them again very slowly, until fully opened. Repeat this movement 10 times during each session. Set your timer for another 20 minutes to remind you to repeat this visual exercise after every 20 minutes of close-up work.
Step 4
Improve your fine depth perception by practicing visual push-up exercises. According to MayoClinic.com, this type of training method may help correct convergence insufficiency, a condition that affects your eyes' ability to focus on close objects. Hold a pencil directly in front of you and continue to focus on one mark or letter on the pencil as you bring it toward the bridge of your nose. Stop the inward movement if you notice your vision begins to double. Perform this exercise once each day for 15 minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor about medically supervised vision exercises for lazy eye conditions or crossed eyes.
- Consult your doctor if you suddenly experience eye discomfort or vision problems, especially if other symptoms, such as headache or dizziness, accompany your visual problems.
Things You'll Need
- Timer
- Pencil
