However, it is important to take note that eye exercises are not replacements for corrective lenses that can treat refractive errors like astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness. If you have diseases of the eye like glaucoma or cataracts, then eye exercises will not eliminate your vision problems.
If you are looking for a quick fix for eye strain while you are studying, reading, or working, then eye exercises may offer some relief. Below are a few eye exercises that can help with the unpleasant effects of eyestrain:
The 20-20-20 Rule
If you are someone who works in front of a computer screen for the most part of the day, then this eye exercise should be something you can practice regularly. The 20-20-20 is simple: every 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds to look at something that is 20 feet away.
If you find that you are too absorbed in your work to remember to do this, try setting an alarm or reminder on your phone. A 20-second break may not seem like much, but resting our eyes just for a moment can help prevent fatigue. This rule can also apply to gamers or those who love to use their phones.
Focus Change
This exercise can be helpful if you feel like you have been staring at the same screen or page for too long. Follow these steps closely:
Step 1. Keep your index finger two or three inches away from any of your eyes.
Step 2. Shift your focus to that pointer finger.
Step 3. Slowly extend your arm while moving your finger away from your face, still focusing on that finger.
Step 4. Look away from the finger, ideally focusing on something farther away. Once you have done that, focus on the finger once again.
Step 5. Slowly bring your finger closer to your face again, still focusing on it.
Step 6. Once it is a few inches away from your eye like it was at the beginning of the exercise, focus on something farther away again.
Step 7. Repeat this three times.
This exercise is easy to do especially if you are in the office, without much space. Ideally, this is done while sitting down.
Eye Movements
A variety of eye movements can help ease some discomfort caused by prolonged use of our eyes. Here is a sequence of eye movements you can try if you’re in need of a break:
Step 1. Close your eyes for a few seconds, be careful not to doze off!
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