More Eye Exercises
Exercises can be helpful in preventing or correcting particular conditions. Overall, daily activity is recommended to help lower interocular pressure and increase circulation. This could even take the form of a brisk walk. Specific exercises that may be included in an individualized program include the following:
To enhance peripheral vision, imagine a clock. In visualizing the clock, rotate the eyes counterclockwise from 12 to nine and then back again. Then move the eyes in the opposite direction, from 12 to three and back. This should be done without the help of corrective eye wear, using the thumb as a guide. During the exercise, the person should be attentive to objects on the perimeter of the scope of vision. This drill can be done three times daily for strengthening the muscles in and around the eyes, focus clearly on an object, and bring it in closer until that object becomes blurred. At this point, stop and take deep breaths until sight turns clearer. Then the object can be brought in closer again and the procedure repeated.
Another muscle-strengthening exercise involves sitting in the middle of a room and, without moving anything but the eyes, gazing up to the ceiling and then following the visual path in a straight line down to the floor. This can be repeated several times. Then the same process should be done looking from one side of the room to the other. Deep breathing should be performed during this exercise.
To release tension in the itchy eye, while in a comfortable position, cover the eyes with the palms of the hands. Visualize a peaceful place while performing deep breathing. One can also visualize a time in the past when one’s vision was better, in order to picture the eye in its proper shape. Massage can increase circulation to the neck, and subsequently to the eyes.
What to Avoid
Particular foods and environmental factors can be harmful to the eyes, resulting in vision impairment. These include artificial sweeteners, as they contain toxic substances which can negatively affect the optic nerve; caffeine, which affects circulation; alcohol, as it can damage liver function; sugar, which may hinder enzyme function; lactose, a form of sugar found in dairy products; tobacco; steroids; the toxin mercury, found in dental amalgam fillings; and exposure to direct sunlight, which can increase oxidative damage to the eyes.
