According to Marc Grossman, optometrist and acupuncturist, "We were born to have hunters' eyes, needed for spotting game or danger at a distance." However, much of the work we now do involves only close-range vision. Many people use computers as a primary work tool, and this type of close viewing can cause eye strain and exhaustion. Headaches and vision problems can result from not exercising your eyes properly or regularly. Exercises can help your eyes function optimally, and might even save you money on glasses or contacts.
Step 1
Rub your hands together very quickly for several seconds, creating warmth. Place the palms of your hands over your eyes, keeping space between your palms and your eyes. Keep your hands over your eyes for a minute or two, and relax.
Step 2
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. Picture a figure eight lying on its side in front of you. Trace the figure with your eyes, keeping your head still. Trace in one direction, and then in the other. Focus on relaxing.
Step 3
Stand or sit in a room or outside. Instead of staring at something in particular; let your focus move from one object to another quickly. Stay relaxed while you let your eyes scan your environment for two minutes at a time. Keep moving your eyes from one object to another smoothly.
Step 4
Fill one bowl with very warm water, and another with very cold water. Place one washcloth in both bowls. Gently place the washcloth from the warm water against your eyes for 30 seconds. Repeat the same steps with the cold washcloth. Alternate between the hot and cold washcloths for two minutes. When you're done, gently massage your closed eyes with a dry washcloth.
Step 5
Stand or sit, and pick an object in the distance to view. Keeping your focus on the object in the distance, bring your index fingertips together about eight inches in front of your face. Notice the oblong shape that has appeared between your fingertips. Pull your fingertips apart and notice the shape between them become smaller. Switch your focus from the object in the distance to your fingers, and notice how the shape in between disappears. Focus again on the shape in the distance and see the shape between your fingertips reappear. Switch between these two objects for two minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Pay attention to your breathing while you perform these exercises. Purposeful breathing helps with your oxygen flow to your whole body, including your eyes. Don't forget to blink regularly, as this will deliver moisture to your eyes. When using the computer, try to take a two- to three-minute break every hour and complete two to three exercises.
- A comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years by an ophthalmologist is especially important for frequent computer users. The exam should include a retinal exam and a test for glaucoma.
Things You'll Need
- Bowl of hot water
- Bowl of cold water
- Washcloths
