Keri's Wellness Wednesday: Eye exercises to improve your vision
Most of us use computers at work, and computer eye strain has become a major job-related complaint. Here are some eye exercise to help improve your vision and relieve eye strain.
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Studies have shown that eye strain and other visual symptoms occur in 50 to 90 percent of those of us who are ‘computer workers’.
These problems can range from physical fatigue, decreased productivity and increased numbers of work errors, to annoyances like eye twitches and red eyes and of course…. DAILY HEADACHES.
This exercise is so simple, and it feels great. If you can, set your alarm for 20mins once you sit down in front of your screen. Taking breaks at regular intervals WILL ease the strain on your eyes and help protect your vision.
The 20-20-20 rule: KEEP YOUR VISION INTACT
- Take a break every 20mins from your screen (phone or comp)
- Focus your eyes on something 7m away from you for at least 20 seconds
- And then blink 20 times
Why blink?
Blinking is very important when working at a computer, it moistens your eyes to prevent dryness and irritation.
When working at a computer, people blink less frequently — about one-third as often as they normally do — and many blinks performed during computer work are only partial lid closures, according to studies.
Tears coating the eye evaporate more rapidly during long non-blinking phases and this can cause dry eyes. Also, the air in many office environments is dry, which can increase how quickly your tears evaporate, placing you at greater risk for dry eye problems.
Another exercise is to look far away at an object for 10-15 seconds, then gaze at something up close for 10 - 15 seconds, then look back at the distant object. Do this 10 times.
*Note: If you haven’t had your eyes tested in the past year, this is your reminder*