Tips on Eye Health Exercises

Eye exercises can help your vision stay clear and keep eyes strong. This will decrease your dependence on corrective lenses as well as fight off the effects of aging. These exercises can be done in a matter of minutes, sometimes less, and can be accomplished no matter where you are.

• Practice focusing by looking at the same item at different distances. Hang a piece of paper on the wall and write the number one on it. Make the number about ½ inch tall. Cut a separate sheet of paper in half, and write the number one on it in approximately the same spot. Make this number about ¼ inch tall. Hold the smaller piece of paper about 10 inches from your face and focus on the number. Hold your gaze for a few seconds, and then switch to focusing on the paper that is hanging on the wall. Hold your focus on the number one on the wall for a few seconds. Repeat the steps several times.


• Take a break from working on the computer all day to practice scanning to improve focus and sharpen eyesight. Scan your eyes around the objects in the room. Run your eyes over the outline of all objects, starting in one corner and working your way around the room. Keep your head in one position while scanning and look as far as you can in each direction.


• Use hydrotherapy as a healing exercise to encourage relaxation. Fill a small bowl with hot water (not hot enough to burn) and put cold water in a second bowl. Dip a clean washcloth in the hot water and put it over your eyelids, holding it there for 30 seconds. Dip a second washcloth in the cold water then switch to holding the cold water over your eyelids for 30 seconds. Repeat several times, and then gently rub eyelids with a dry washcloth.


• Relax the muscles in your face and head by doing heal roll exercises. Roll your head gently around on your shoulders, making an effort to touch your head to each shoulder, your chest and as far back as comfortably possible. Continue rolling your head around to stretch muscles in your neck, face and around the eyes.


• Sit or lie down and relax. Remove your glasses or take your contacts out. Close your eyes for a few seconds, then open and look in one direction. Stretch your eyes in one direction until you feel the pull. Hold that position for a few seconds, and then close your eyes for a few seconds. Repeat by looking in each direction to stretch the eye muscles.