When you are awake, your eyes are very active. They try to absorb all the images that surround you whether you are on the move or sitting idly. Your eyes may experience strain after capturing images when doing your daily tasks such as reading a book, watching a movie, staring at a computer screen or driving a car. According to Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., eye exercises can offer some relief by soothing, moisturizing and relaxing the eye muscles.
Blinking
Step 1
Blink every three to four seconds for the next two minutes.
Step 2
Make a mental note of how your eyes feel after completion. Your eyes may feel strained, relaxed or tired.
Step 3
Try not to blink for 30 seconds at a time for two minutes.
Step 4
Evaluate the difference in how your eyes feel after completion. Blinking helps to keep your eyes fresh by discharging previous information. Performing this eye exercise can help reduce computer eye strain, says Dr. Grossman.
Step 5
Repeat this exercise at least every couple of hours throughout the day.
Palming
Step 1
Take a few deep breaths.
Step 2
Lean forward on a desk or table, or rest your elbows on your knees.
Step 3
Close your eyes.
Step 4
Open your hands. Place the cup of your palms over your eyes. Make sure that your fingers are touching your forehead and the heel of each hand rests on each cheekbone. Avoid putting too much pressure on your eyes.
Step 5
Blink freely for a few minutes. Palming allows your mind and eyes to rest for a few minutes at a time.
Focusing
Step 1
Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
Step 2
Raise your thumb approximately 10 inches in front of your face, at eye level.
Step 3
Focus on another object approximately 10 to 20 feet in front of you.
Step 4
Take a deep breath, and then focus on your thumb.
Step 5
Switch your focus back and forth between the object 10 to 20 feet away and your thumb. Take deep breaths in between focusing.
Zooming
Step 1
Sit in a comfortable position.
Step 2
Stretch your right arm and make a hitchhiker’s sign by raising your right thumb and closing the other four fingers.
Step 3
Stare at or focus your eyes on your thumb.
Step 4
Move your thumb closer to your face. Keep focusing on your thumb until it is about three inches from your face.
Step 5
Move your thumb away, back to its original position, with your arm outstretched. Keep your eyes focused on the thumb. Repeat the steps for a few minutes. Perform this routine several times a day.
Pencil Push-up
Step 1
Hold a pencil in one hand. Orient the pencil so that the letters on one facet of the pencil are facing you.
Step 2
Stretch your arm out while holding the pencil at eye level.
Step 3
Move the pencil close to your nose. Focus on the letters on the pencil.
Step 4
Follow one letter on the pencil as you move the pencil closer to your nose.
Step 5
Make sure to keep the letter clear and single until it touches your nose. Do the pencil-push up for a few minutes several times a day.
