Orbicularis Oculi Exercises

Your orbicularis oculi are muscles that surround your eyes and help open and close your eyelids. These muscles also help drain your tears when you cry. Tightening these muscles can help you firm and tighten your eyelids while removing any puffiness from under your eyes, according to Facial Fitness Center. Tighter and firmer eyelids and tight skin under your eyes can give you that vibrant, youthful appearance you've always wanted.

Sit or stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Close your eyes and place the heels of your hands over your eyes and pressed against your eyelids with your fingers resting against your forehead. Inhale and tightly squeeze your eyes closed as hard as you can while feeling your eyelids working to overcome the resistance of your hands. Hold for five seconds and relax. Repeat 10 times.

When you're surprised, your eyelids and eyebrows raise without your knowing it. Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet together and your shoulders directly over your hips. Raise your eyebrows and eyelids as far as you can as if you were trying to touch the top of your head with your eyelids and eyebrows. Hold this position for five seconds and release the contraction. Repeat 10 times.

Sit or stand and look up as far as you can while keeping your head as still as possible. Hold this position for five seconds and then look down as far as you can without moving your head. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat while looking first to the left, then to the right. If necessary, you can repeat the entire cycle with your eyes closed as well.

You can perform the partial wink exercise while standing or seated just about anywhere that you have a few minutes of free time. This exercise is performed by partially winking one eye at a time and holding the position for a couple of seconds. Avoid completely closing your eyes, since this exercise is designed to help you gain more control over your orbicularis oculi muscles. Try to perform two sets of 50 repetitions with each eye.