5 Exercises To Overcome Eye Strain

In addition to keeping the eyes moisturized through frequent blinking, to prevent eye strain and avoid more serious problems, it is also important to perform localized exercises. Here are some of them.

Eye strain groups a series of symptoms that make vision difficult. This is caused by the excessive use of electronic devices, the impact of UV rays from the sun and continuous exposure to polluted environments.

Among other things, eye fatigue is associated with poor diet and work or activities that strain your eyes in poorly lit spaces. Although it is mild and sporadic in nature, it tends to interfere with daily activities, especially when accompanied by blurred vision, irritation and difficulties in maintaining focus.

Why do you have to rest your eyes?

It is clear that eye health is a priority, and it deserves the effort to take the necessary measures to preserve it. However, many downplay it and end up with migraines, fatigue and other more serious conditions that can appear along with eye fatigue, according to a Mayo Clinic article.

Due to this, it is essential to pay attention to it and, when its symptoms appear, to put into practice some simple exercises that promote relaxation. Next, we suggest you discover some recommended in a publication of the National Institute of Health of the United Kingdom.

5 exercise routine to beat eye strain

Exercises to overcome eye strain are very simple activities that, through massages and movements, relax the eyes. These help reduce the feeling of tiredness caused by prolonged exposure to screen lights or other causes.

It is a method that can be applied in any space, investing just a few minutes, even during work breaks. Do you dare to put it into practice?

1. General pressure

General pressure exercise is intended to promote relaxation of the eyes to decrease irritation and heaviness caused by tiredness.

• To begin, close your eyes and rest the palms of your hands on the eyeballs, with your fingers on your forehead.
• Next, apply light pressure, without overdoing it, and hold the pose for 2 or 3 minutes.
• For best results, combine exercise with deep, slow breathing.

2. Point pressure

Point pressure massage is an activity that helps stimulate circulation in the eye area to improve the oxygenation process which, in turn, reduces the discomfort caused by overexertion.

• First, keep your eyes closed and put your thumb on the inner side of the eye, below the eyebrow and attached to the nose.
• Next, apply gentle pressure, accompanied by a slight circular motion, for 2 to 3 minutes.

• Do the exercise on both eyes at the same time, using the hand on the same side of the eye to massage.

3. Circular relaxation

Circular relaxation is an activity that, by involving constant movement and blinking of the eyes, reduces irritation and stress. Its realization is very simple:

• First, open your eyes and move them in a circular fashion, clockwise.
• Do 5 or 6 laps, flashing each time you complete a turn.
• Then do the same repetitions, but in the opposite direction.

4. Change of focus

Staring at the same point for a long time may be the reason why, hours later, you feel irritation and eye fatigue. However, something as simple as a focus shift exercise can be enough to relax your eyes.

• First, stand in front of a window that has a mark on the glass, or do it with an erasable marker or paper.
• Fix your eyes on that focus point for 10-15 seconds.
• Then, locate a distant point that you can see through the window and change the focus, again for 15 seconds.
• Look back at the starting point and repeat the activity 5 or 6 times.

5. Maintaining focus

Maintaining focus is a simple exercise that could reduce that feeling of visual stress during work or while reading.

• Take a small item, such as a pencil, in your hand and stretch your arm as far as you can.
• Gaze at the item and slowly bring your hand toward your nose, as far as your eyes can stay focused.

• Stretch your arm again and start over. Do 10 repetitions.

6. Imaginary writing

Imaginary writing is a visual strengthening exercise that, in addition to reducing fatigue, would prevent premature deterioration of the eyes.

• To start, stand in front of a wall, preferably white, and pretend that you are writing with your eyes.
• Avoid moving your head and draw the letters as large as possible.
• Rest 20 seconds; do 3 or 5 reps.

Change habits to relieve eye strain

Today, feeling tired eyes is extremely common. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this is largely due to prolonged use of electronic devices. In fact, in one of its online publications, this entity also recommends several of the exercises described above.

Keep in mind that, by practicing this exercise routine, you will reduce the eye strain that interrupts your day. However, if it becomes persistent or appears along with other symptoms, it is important to consult with a professional to assess whether other diseases are developing.