Do you find that after long periods of computer use, reading or driving long distances, your eyes feel tired and sore? Eyestrain is such a pain, right? According to the Mayo Clinic, eyestrain doesn’t have long-term consequences, but the symptoms (blurred or double vision, itchy, tired eyes) can be downright annoying or painful. Luckily, there are some simple exercises you can do to strengthen your eyes and reduce eyestrain.
Set a reminder on your phone if you have to so you remember to practice these exercises throughout the day when you know you're going to be parked in front of a computer for awhile. Your eyes will thank you!
Push-Up Amps
According to Dr. Michael Pier, an optometrist and Director of Professional Relations for Bausch + Lomb North American Vision Care business, push-up amps (where you look from far to near and back again several times in rapid succession), can make your eyes stronger and more resistant to eyestrain. Do 20 push-up amps in 20 seconds anytime “the blur” starts to happen.
The 20/20/20 Rule
The rule is very simple. While working on a computer, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something that is at least 20 feet away. It may seem excessive to you at first, so, maybe at least try to look at something 20 feet away every time you finish answering a few emails or finish a short project. It will definitely help ease eye pain!
Figure 8
Find a spot on the floor about 8 feet away. Move your eyes in the shape of a figure 8. It may feel a little weird at first, but you can do it! Trace this figure 8 pattern with your eyes for 30 seconds, then switch direction.
Up, Down, Left, Right
Close your eyes. Move the eyes up, then down very slowly and deliberately. Do this three times. Then switch to slowly moving your eyes to the left, then the right. Do this three times.
