Working for hours at a time at a computer can put eyes under a lot of strain. They become irritated or painful and feel dry. However, some simple exercises can help relax the eyes and alleviate symptoms.
Screens, whether on a computer, smartphone or tablet, are part and parcel of many people’s lives. Spending too long staring at backlit surfaces, for example at work, is tiring on the eyes. But what can you do to combat strained and dry eyes? Here are a few simple exercises to provide relief.
Gaze into the distance
When working on a screen, our eyes spend long periods focused in the same direction and at the same distance. Let your gaze wander into the distance from time to time and consciously focus on objects that are further away. This engages the eye muscles and promotes eye flexibility.
Eye-relief massage
A massage can relax the muscles around the eye. Grasp the bridge of your nose with your thumb and middle finger and place your index finger between your eyebrows. Now move your fingers closer together and then further apart. Repeat several times. Massaging the forehead can also provide relief for the eyes. Start in the middle of your forehead and gently move your fingers out towards your temples.
Palming – cover your eyes
Treat your eyes to a spot of darkness by shielding them with your palms for about two minutes. Rest your elbows on the table, close your eyes and visualise something beautiful. This will not only give your eyes some relief but also relax your entire body.
Yawning and blinking
One easy way to get moisture into dry eyes is to yawn widely or blink rapidly. This will spread a thin film of tears over the eyes and make the eye muscles work. Repeat until your eyes feel moist enough.
Eye exercises
Movement causes the eye muscles to contract and relax and can help to relieve strain. Do the following exercises several times a day: With your eyes closed, move your eyeballs up, down, left and right, then reverse.
Open your eyes and relax them briefly. Close your eyes again and move your eyeballs in slow circles.
