The eye is a muscle, and if it isn’t used it can naturally weaken. When muscles aren’t used, one of the basic principles of medicine says that it can lead to atrophy. If the eye muscles don’t get exercised then it can be tough to keep your vision healthy. Lack of exercise comes from people wearing glasses. The glasses make it so the eyes don’t have to work as hard to see things.
Many people become dependent on glasses, but there are exercises that can be done to help you see better and more clearly. Just so we are all on the same page, your eyes are not going to bulge from these workouts (haha!). The exercises and tips provided below can help strengthen your eyes and ultimately help improve your eyesight.
Rest Your Eyes
Nowadays we commonly overstrain our eyes. Whether it is looking at our smartphones, watching TV, reading, or working on a computer screen all day, the eyes are working overtime. Take time to relax your eyes throughout the day. Close your eyes every 2-3 hours and let them rest for a few minutes.
Finger Focusing
When you’re standing up, look straight ahead for about three seconds. Then extend a finger on your right hand and hold it about 11 inches in front of your nose. Focus your eyes on the finger for 3-5 seconds and then lower your hand. Repeat this about 8-11 times and remember to alter your focus to near and far distances, focusing on your finger and the background.
The Trataka Exercise
This is a yoga exercise, which is designed to help strengthen your eyes. Place a candle at eye level in the foreground, sit down with your back straight in a cross-legged position, and focus your eyes on the light for a few minutes, trying not to blink. Close your eyes and try to envision a mental image of the burning candle. This helps to strengthen your mind’s eye. Repeat this exercise until you can “see” the candle with your eyes closed.
Squeeze Them Shut
While you’re seated, tightly close your eyes and keep them shut for about a minute. Immediately open them for a full minute and take deep relaxing breaths. This exercise strengthens the eyelid muscles and can improve circulation. You can do this several times a day.
