Eye Exercises to Correct Long-Sightedness

Long-sightedness, or hypermetropia, is caused when the image is focused behind the retina. In normal vision, the image is focused directly on the retina itself. This, in turn, causes a blurry close-range image. There has been much debate over the effectiveness of eye-exercises in improving long-sightedness, but recent studies have found that the eyes can be re-trained to focus more efficiently. The American Optometric Association "affirms its longstanding position that vision therapy is an effective therapeutic modality in the treatment of physiological dysfunctions of the vision system." Patients should perform all exercises without the aid of glasses or lenses.

Blinking

• This is a simple relaxation technique that relieves eye-strain, allowing you to focus more efficiently and for longer periods. Focus on an object at close range, hold focus, blinking every three seconds for two minutes. It your eyes feel tired or you are having trouble focusing, try this exercise.

Palming

• Palming is another simple relaxation technique. Total darkness allows the eye muscles to relax totally. Cup you hands over your eyes to completely obscure the light. With your eyes gently closed, look up as far as possible, then look down, left, and right. Continue this process for about two minutes. When you open your eyes you should find it easier to hold focus.

Figure of Eight

• Once your eyes are relaxed, try this exercise to strengthen your eye muscles and improve flexibility. Hold focus on an area about 10 feet in front of you. Try not to focus on a specific object, rather the area in focus (this may take several attempts). Move your eyes in a horizontal figure eight motion, keeping your focal point at the same distance throughout. Continue this movement for about two minutes.

Near and Far Focusing

• Near and far focusing is another effective strengthening exercise. Hold an item (or your finger) about a foot from your face. Focus on the object for five seconds, at which point switch your focus onto a distant object. After five seconds switch again. Repeat this process for several minutes. As you progress, you should find it easier to focus on close-range objects.

Tromboning

• Hold an object (or use your finger) at arm's length. Hold focus on this object. Slowly bring it forward until it touches your nose, then slowly extend back to arm's length. Repeat for two minutes. Perform this "tromboning" exercise several times a day to train your eyes to focus at short distances.