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Eye Exercise for Computer-Vision Syndrome

Millions of people use computers on a daily basis, and up to 90 percent of users develop some form of computer-vision syndrome, or CVS. If you spend more than two hours a day working at the computer, you might develop symptoms such as headache, blurry vision, eyestrain and dry eyes. Exercise your eyes many times throughout the day to reduce strain.

  1. Eye Exercises

    • If you feel any symptoms of CVS, stop working at the computer and practice eye exercises. Exercises should be done daily to reduce strain, headaches and dry eye as a result of using the computer too many hours in a day.

      The first exercise you can do is to hold out a pencil, an arm's length away from your body. Focus your vision on the tip and slowly bring it towards your eyes, while keeping your vision locked on the pencil tip. As soon as you bring it close to your nose, you will begin to see double. Repeat the exercise five to 10 times, throughout the day or as soon as you feel CVS symptoms.

      A simple exercise to do in order to exercise the eye is to look up from the computer when you begin to feel symptoms, focus on an object that is across the room and stare at it for approximately 20 seconds. After the time is up, lock your vision on an object that is close to you for the same amount of time. Alternate between far and close objects about 10 times, continuing that exercise throughout the day as needed.

      When at any point in the day you feel symptoms of CVS, look outside if you have a window or focus on an object across the room until your eyes feel relaxed. Staring at a computer monitor strains the muscles in the eye that deal with focusing, so looking away will relax those muscles.

    Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome

    • To prevent symptoms of CVS, make sure that you leave at least a 20 to 30 inch distance between your computer monitor and your eyes. Use a large font when reading or writing to reduce strain on the eyes, and be sure to take frequent breaks throughout the day to reduce headaches, dry eyes or strain from looking at the computer.

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