Eye strain is a common condition that causes your eyes to feel tired and sore. The symptoms usually occur after looking at a computer screen for extended periods, driving long distances or reading for many hours. However, doing eye exercises help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of eye strain. Here are five eye exercises you may want to try.
Eye rolling Eye rolling is used in yoga to ease tension in the muscles around the eyes. Slowly roll your eyes 360 degrees in one direction and then the other. Repeat this action three to five times until your eyes feel less tense and sore. Additionally, moving your eyes up and down and from side to side can help stretch your eye muscles.
Palming Gently place your palms over your closed eyes. Apply light pressure for 30 to 60 seconds. Don’t press on the eye sockets. The gentle pressure from your palms can help improve blood circulation around your eyes. Palming also helps soothe the optic nerve, which can help your eyes recover more quickly after intense use.
Warm compresses Placing a warm, moist cloth across your eyes has similar benefits to palming. Applying a warm compress can help trigger your tear ducts and relax tired eye muscles.
Blinking and yawning Studies have shown that when people read on computer screens, they tend to blink less, which can lead to dry, tired eyes. If this happens to you, try blinking several times to get the tears flowing across your eyes. Yawning also naturally stimulates tear production.
The 20-20-20 rule The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the 20-20-20 rule to ease eye strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something that’s at least 20 feet away. Taking a short pause gives your eyes the time they need to relax, refocus and reset.
Get Your Eyes Checked
If you frequently experience eye strain, it may be time to consult an optometrist for a general eye exam. Consistent eye strain may be a sign of a more serious eye condition.
Eye Care and Eye Exams in Edmonton
If you’re suffering from eye strain, the team at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. can help. We’ll evaluate your symptoms, diagnose the issue and provide you with personalized solutions. We carry a wide variety of eye care products and fashionable eyeglasses. Contact us today to book an appointment at one of our five locations.