Preventing Eye Strain

Today’s lifestyles mean we spend far too much time staring at computer screens
or squinting at tiny technological gadgets – all of which can place strain on our eyes.

Although there is no definitive test which proves the strain causes permanent damage (although many claim it does), this overuse of our eyes can produce a number of uncomfortable side effects including sore eyes, neck ache, headaches and general feelings of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to counteract this without even leaving our desks.

Daily eye exercises can help to tone eye muscles and also ease the feelings of tension generated by overtaxing our eyes. You may even gain some vision improvement over a period of time.

When carrying out the exercises, it is important to keep your eyes open and your head still.

Blink frequently
It is a known fact that we blink far less when watching television or using the computer. Blinking is nature’s way of resting our eyes for brief periods and keeping the eyes clean. First relax, then blink every three to four seconds for a two minute period. Do this every hour or so during the day and you should notice a reduction in eye strain.

Increasing eye flexibility
An easy exercise to improve eye flexibility is to imagine a giant figure of eight on its side. Follow the outline of the figure with your eyes, very slowly. Don’t forget to keep your head still and only move your eyes. Follow the line in one direction for a couple of minutes and then do so in the reverse direction for another two minutes. It may take a few days to get used to doing this exercise, but it is well worth persevering with it.
Improving focus

Sitting in a comfortable position, stretch out your arm and focus on your thumb. Bring your thumb to within three inches of your face, keeping your eyes focussed on it. Stretch out your arm again, still focussing on your thumb. If this is done for a few minutes, two or three times a day, it should help to strengthen your focussing skills.

How to relax your eyes
Relieving stress around the eyes is easily done at any time, even during a short break from working on the computer. Get comfortable and then lean forward. You can rest your elbows on a desk or on your knees. Close your eyes.

Place your hands over your eyes, with your fingers on your forehead and the heel of your hand on your cheekbone, making a cup of your hands. Do not put pressure on your eyes and make sure you are able to blink without obstruction.

The object of this exercise is to rest your eyes for a few minutes at a time. There isn’t anything more to it, but, if you do this a few times a day, you’ll find it will make a huge difference to your general stress level.

The above exercises and the relaxation technique are intended only as a few simple steps towards easing eye strain and general tension. If you suffer from specific eyesight problems, or prolonged stress, you should seek professional advice.

By Lorraine Mace

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