According to Martin Sussman, author of "The Program for Better Vision," rigidity and tension in the eye muscles, as well as lack of movement, causes the eyes to change shape. If the eye changes shape by as little as 0.025 inches, focusing problems may occur. Just as exercise is vital for the health of other muscles of the body, it is also necessary for keeping the eye muscles strong and supple.
Significance
Six muscles, called extra-ocular muscles, control the movement of the eyes and adjust the shape of the lenses within the eyes so that they may focus on an object. When you focus on something nearby, your lenses become thicker; when you focus on a distant object, they become thinner. However, if the extra-ocular muscles hold the eyes in one position for too long a period -- such as when staring at a computer screen for numerous hours each day -- they squeeze the eye. Over time, this pressure may change the shape of the eyes and their lenses and impede vision. Therefore, in order to maintain your vision, it is crucial to engage in eye aerobics, exercise for the eyes.
Eye Aerobics Exercise
Sit in a relaxed position and breathe slowly and regularly. Keeping your head still, look up and down five times. Close your eyes for 10 seconds. Open your eyes, then look right and left five times. Close your eyes for 10 seconds. Open your eyes, look up, left, down and right. Repeat five times. Close your eyes. Rub the palms of your hands together until they feel warm, them place them against your eyelids and hold for 30 seconds. The warmth will help relax your extra-ocular muscles and stimulate the circulation of lubricating liquids in your eye sockets.
Relaxing Strained Eyes
Sit in a relaxed position and keep your head still. Open and close your eyes ten times, then close them for approximately 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times and then apply warm palms to your closed eyes for 30 seconds. Perform this exercise whenever your eyes feel tired or strained, according to eye-care specialist Trinity Eye-Care.
Considerations
In addition to performing eye aerobics, following a healthy diet is also beneficial for your eyes. Eating foods such as grapes, green leafy plants, fish, eggs and sulphur-bearing vegetables like onions and garlic helps maintain the well-being of the eyes. Moreover, since the eyes are intimately connected to the body, drinking sufficient water and exercising is also part of a total approach to the health and healing of the eyes, according to Doctor Robert Abel in "The Eyecare Revolution." Wearing protecting eye wear is also important for guarding the eyes against the sun's harmful UV rays.
References
- "The Program for Better Vision"; Martin Sussman;
- Trinity Eye Care: Eye Aerobics: Keeping Your Eyes in Optimal Condition
- "The Eye Care Revolution: Prevent and Reverse Common Vision Problems"; Robert Abel; 2004
Member Comments