Ben Squires
Eye Care

5 at-home eye exercises for better vision

As we age, it’s important to take special care of our eyes. Follow these five simple at-home eye exercises for improved focus, blood circulation and more.

To regulate circulation

This one’s simple. Close your eyes for three to five seconds, then open them. Do this several times. It will help increase blood circulation to your eyes and relax your muscles. 

Another simple exercise is to focus on one point in the room, and rotate your head in a circular motion. Start with left to right, then try up and down.

To maintain clear vision

Place your palms over closed eyes and relax for one minute. Darkness is said to help strengthen the photoreceptor cells in your eyes, which in turn help maintain clear vision.

To improve vision focus

Stand near a window so your face is close to the glass. Focus on the window pane first, then allow your gaze to rest on the distance. Repeat this ten times.

To strengthen eye muscles

Sit in a comfortable position and hold out your thumb in a hitchhiking pose. Focus on your outstretched thumb and slowly bring it closer to your face, until it’s five centimetres from your nose. Move it back and forth slowly so your eyes are forced to maintain focus.

To stimulate your eyes

Try this easy eye spa: apply a hot and cold compress by draping a hot towel over your eyes, followed by a cold one. The alternating temperatures is said to cause vasoconstriction and vasodilation which should stimulate your eyes and improve blood circulation.

To control eye movement

Focus on a point on the floor and imagine a figure eight. Using your eyes, trace around the figure eight slowly. Trace it one way, then the opposite direction.

Related links:

Does ageing make one more dangerous behind the wheel?

First-born children are more likely to be nearsighted

How often should you visit your optometrist?

Tags:
exercise, health, eyes, vision, eye sight