Do you have eye strain? You've been working too hard on the computer again, so you're familiar with the feeling: Your eyelids twitch, your eyes begin to water and there's that burning sensation when you close them. You're suffering from a common affliction -- eye strain.
Fortunately, simple exercises can promote the relaxation of your eyes, and some are even thought to strengthen and condition them (a type of vision therapy known as orthoptics). The American Optometric Association and the National Institutes of Health want you to know that no exercise has been proven to "improve a refractive error or cure any ailment within the eyeball," but exercises can be helpful if poor vision is caused by a weakness or imbalance of the muscles. And they can be especially useful in relieving the fatigue and accompanying physical symptoms caused by strain.
Do the following exercises regularly to help keep your eyes stronger longer:
Rolls
To improve blood and oxygen flow, close your eyes and slowly roll them in a complete circle. Then move them from left to right. Repeat this exercise three times.
Palming and cupping
Note: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before doing this exercise.
If your eyes are tired and you'd like to relax them, close them and place the base of your palms over them. Press gently for a few seconds. Then cup your hands and place them over your open eyes. Look into your cupped palms as you slowly breathe in and out through your nose for 30 seconds.
Commonplace "exercises," like blinking or yawning, also are beneficial. Both actions produce tears to help moisten and lubricate. And don't forget you can give your baby blues (or browns, greens or grays) an extra boost by taking nutritional supplements targeted for them, such as those that contain bilberry, vitamin A and lutein.
Labels: Eye Exercises
