YOUR HEALTHY EYE WORKOUT
Revive tired eyes with these simple exercises.
As we age, it’s important that we have regular ophthalmologist visits to rule out vision-robbing conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (the most common cause of vision loss in people with diabetes) and age-related macular degeneration.
But eye care at home can make a big difference too—especially if you’re suffering from eye fatigue or strain. That’s where simple eye exercises come in.
“When we focus many hours on computer screens or television, we actually blink less frequently. This could lead to dry, irritated and fatigued eyes, blurred vision and headaches,” says Cleveland Clinic ophthalmologist Nicole Bajic, M.D.
With many work-from-home situations continuing through 2021, there’s all the more reason to learn some simple visual gymnastics. Pamper your peepers and practice these several times each day.
BLINK
This motion helps clear debris from the surface of the eye, produces tears to moisten and lubricate the eyes and delivers nutrients to the eye’s structure. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: Look 20 feet away from your computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
YAWN
Don’t worry about being rude: Yawning can help increase the secretion of tears and help moisten dry eyes since it puts muscular tension on the glands of your eye sockets.
DISTANCE YOURSELF
Sitting too close to your computer screen can strain your eyes. The perfect distance is 18 to 25 inches, with your eyes gazing slightly downward (rather than straight ahead or up).
DROP IN
Over-the-counter eye drops containing artificial tears can help moisten dry eyes, which can feel uncomfortable and may sting or burn. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air or applying warm compresses to your eyes can help too, says Bajic.
LOOK AROUND
Close your eyes and, keeping your head still, gently raise them toward the ceiling, to the left, to the right, then down to the floor. Repeat three times.
CHANGE YOUR FOCUS
Hold a finger in front of one eye while focusing on it. As you slowly move it away, shift your focus into the distance. Slowly return your focus back to the finger as you return it to starting point, then shift your focus to something 8 feet away. Repeat three times.
DO FIGURE EIGHTS
Picture a large number 8 lying on its side about 10 feet ahead. Slowly trace the number with your eyes a few times, then reverse.