Clear Vision Using Eye Exercises

"I Can See Clearly Now," was a #1 hit song released in 1972, written and recorded by Johnny Nash. It was a single from the album of the same name. But, it’s clearly obvious the song wasn’t referring to visual problems suffered by millions. Blurry vision and failing eyesight, or Presbyopia, has many causes and is also a natural response to aging. Fortunately modern technology can help in many cases.

However, before shelling out big bucks for laser treatment, glasses or contact lenses some have turned to other methods. One that’s becoming increasingly popular is a regimen of specific eye relaxation exercises. The theory being a majority of eyesight problems are due to eye strain and stress. The exercises might not work for every condition, but they can reduce double vision, blurry vision, headaches and eyestrain. But, they will only work if done regularly.

Therefore, it’s logical to assume, removing strain and stress could be beneficial. Eye exercises have been said to keep eyes healthy and help minimize eyestrain. Note these exercises may not improve vision, but are designed to maintain existing eyesight levels and prevent further deterioration. However, there are countless testimonials claiming they can. Today many consider eye exercises as an alternative therapy. But it’s also important to know how they work.

As with any alternative medical options, there are critics who argue if eye exercises work so well why isn’t everyone doing them? The eye care industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. That statement alone speaks volumes. Also, there are many who don’t do them because they don’t understand how they work.

So how do eye exercises work? If eyes are left focused in the same position for an extended period of time, such as on a computer monitor, they will “forget” how to focus on things far away. Exercises can keep them loose, fresh and able to focus more easily. Eyes have muscles just like other parts of the body and therefore need exercise. The right nutrients and vitamins to support healthy eye function are also a must. For example, beta-carotene, bilberry extract and vitamins A, B, C and D.

Consider this, wearing glasses, contacts or having laser eye surgery may only be covering up the root of the problem. The same bad visual habits still remain. By learning eye exercises, these might be corrected. There are case studies reporting many no longer have to wear glasses or contacts.

Besides, laser eye surgery is not only expensive, but risky. There are no guarantees good vision will be returned and there are some side effects that must be considered. These can include light halos, blind spots, reduced night vision and possibly blindness.

Below you will find a list of some simple eye exercises:

· Splashing - splash eyes with lukewarm water when waking up and right before bedtime. This clears out any debris or foreign matter causing blurry vision.

· Palming - Take both hands and place them over the eyes so no light enters for about a minute. This will relax them and more or less “reset” your vision. Can be done several times a day to prevent blurry vision or when eyes feel tired.

· Takea Break – When doing close up work that causes eye strain, take a ten second break every 10-15 minutes and focus your eyes on something in the distance.

· Squeeze Technique - Close both eyes and squeeze for 5 seconds. Repeat about 5 times. This exercise is designed to produce tears for moisturizing eyes.

· Circle the Eyes - Look up and rotate eyes clockwise. Do seven times. Reverse to counter clockwise and repeat. This loosens and relaxes extra-ocular eye muscles.

· Massage - Using fingers or knuckles massage outside ridges of the eye sockets and temples. This will increase blood circulation around the eyes.

· Eyelid Massage - Close eyes and massage with circular movements with the fingers. Make sure hands are washed first to prevent foreign materials damaging the eyes.

· Hot /Cold Soak - Soak one towel in temperate hot water and the other in cold. Using the hot towel, lightly press around eyebrows, eyelids, and cheeks. Finish by repeating with the cold towel.

· Pencil Focus - Hold a pencil at arm's length and move slowly towards the nose. Follow the pencil with both eyes until it goes out of focus. Repeat about 10 times

· Distance Focusing - Focus on a far away object in the distance for a few minutes whenever the chance arises throughout the day.

· Blinking – Blinking is an important eye function. It moistens the eyes and reduces eye tension. Look at an object and open and close eyes slowly.

· Shifting - Healthy eyes they tend to glance around, shifting focus on various objects. Practice by looking at nearby objects for a few seconds then quickly shift to something further away. The eyes should never feel strained during this exercise.

Of course, those with glaucoma, cataracts or more serious eye problems should see a physician.