Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is generally an inherited condition. It is characterized by the eye being too short from front to back. People who are farsighted tend to have difficulty focusing on objects up close. The condition can also cause headaches from overworked eye muscles. Fortunately, a few yogic eye exercises can alleviate the strain put on the eyes and relax the muscles.
Yoga Eye Routine
Step 1
Sit upright in a comfortable chair. Close the eyes, take a few deep breaths and relax. Open the eyes and focus on a point in front of you. Hold the head still; only the eyes will move. Look up toward the ceiling, stretching the eyes up. Next, look down as far as you can go. Continue to breathe deeply and repeat this process, looking up and down, up to 10 repetitions.
Step 2
Bring the eyes back to center. Close the eyes for a moment and breathe deeply. Open the eyes and focus on a point out in front of you. Again, hold the head still and continue to breathe. Look as far right as you can. Then look as far left as you can. Breathe deeply and repeat this process, looking side to side, up to 10 repetitions.
Step 3
Bring the eyes back to center. Close the eyes again for a moment, breathe deeply and relax. Open the eyes and hold the head steady. Look to the upper right hand corner of the room, then down to the lower left hand corner of the room. Repeat this process, looking corner to corner for five or six repetitions. Pause and blink the eyes, then reverse direction. Continue to breathe deeply throughout the exercise.
Step 4
Close the eyes for a moment, breathe deeply and relax. Open the eyes. Extend one arm out in front of the body, pointing the index finger. Look away from the finger for a moment, then focus on the tip of the finger. Without blinking, begin to slowly move the hand in toward the face, focusing the eyes on the fingertip the entire time. Bring the tip of the finger all the way in and touch the nose, pausing for a moment. Then, slowly begin to move the hand away from the face, still focusing the eyes on the fingertip. Once the hand is fully extended, look away from the finger and blink the eyes. Repeat this exercise with the opposite hand.
Step 5
Relax the eyes. Clap the hands together, then rub them vigorously, creating warmth. Close the eyes and cup the palms of the hands over the eyelids. Hold them there for a moment, breathing deeply. Feel the warmth and energy penetrating the eyes. Breathe and relax. Move the fingertips down over the eyelids, and gently massage them in a circular motion, working your way out to the temples.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not force your eyes to look too far in any one direction. You want to exercise the muscles, not strain them. Make sure you continue to breathe throughout all the exercises. Practice this technique daily to strengthen the eye muscles, preferably at the end of the day. If the eyes feel tired or overworked, try using a cold compress and lie back and relax after completing this routine.
- Be sure to check with your optometrist or health care provider before beginning this or any other exercise routine for the eyes. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can remove them during this routine.
Things You'll Need
- Comfortable clothing
- Comfortable chair
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