|  | Conditions Treatments | Eye Vision Disorders

Exercises to Strengthen Weak Eye Muscles

Your eyes contain many small muscles. While the jury is out on whether eye exercises can prevent you from needing glasses, they can benefit those who spend a lot of time in front of a computer. Spending hours focusing on the same object overuses some eye muscles while causing others to weaken due to lack of use. If you are interested in strengthening your eye muscles, there are simple exercises you can do daily.

  1. Focusing

    • If you work at a desk, chances are your area of focus remains fairly constant throughout the day. You can strengthen your eye muscles by focusing on objects at varying distances. For this exercise you'll need to be outside. First pick something two to three feet in front of you. See it as clearly as you can. When you notice how clear it is, pick something about 30 feet away and do the same thing. Focus long enough so the object becomes clear, most likely about 15 to 20 seconds. Next focus on an object a block away (around 500 feet) and focus on it. Lastly, pick an object at the point farthest away on which you can focus. Once the object becomes clear, restart the process with the object right in front of you. Repeat these steps at least ten times, twice a day. You may notice that your ability to focus on distant objects becomes better.

    A Few Quick Exercises

    • If you've got just a couple of minutes, you can perform these quick eye exercises. Roll your eyes in complete circles, first in one direction and then the other. Do this several times until your eyes feel slightly tired. Next shut your eyes and squeeze them as tightly as possible for about 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise 5 to 10 times. These two exercises will give your eyes a break from focusing on a computer screen and force you to use different eye muscles.

    Taking a Break

    • Sometimes your eyes just need a break. Fatigued eye muscles will be stronger if given the opportunity to rest. If you are feeling tension due to eye strain, try this simple exercise that can be accomplished just about anywhere. Sit comfortably in front of a table, resting your elbows on books or cushions. Raise your arms high enough on the cushion so your palms can reach your eyes with no strain. Close your eyes and cover them with your palms, blocking out all light. Imagine deep blackness while breathing slowly and evenly for 10 minutes. Do this two or three times a day.

Eye Vision Disorders - Related Articles