When one says the phrase “eye exercises”, some might be tempted to imagine an eye pupil somehow attempting a chin-up. Yet, although the terminology can seem a little silly, eye exercises are great for strengthening eye muscles and honing visual perception. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, “eye exercises can enhance accuracy and letter recognition” in a modified visual presentation task.
This improved accuracy is especially helpful for senior citizens, who are more likely to live with vision problems as they enter into their golden years. Thus, for those looking to tone their field of vision, here are four great eye exercises for preventative eye care!
1. Blinking
It goes without saying that many wouldn’t consider blinking an exercise. Human beings already blink upwards of 28,800 times a day. Yet, adopting an active blinking exercise is great for promoting lubrication for the delicate eye wall. It also helps ease any pent up tension caused by eye strain.
To do the blink exercise, seniors should practice slowly and precisely closing both eyes at the same time. Once closed for a few moments, they can open their eyes to repeat the process.
2. Tracing
The tracing exercise is quite simple. Seniors should focus on an object within their immediate field of vision. Once chosen, they can use their eyes to trace the outline of their object. After outlining the object from one direction, seniors can reverse and outline from the other. This helps strengthen the eye muscles, while also honing focus.
3. Shifting Perspective
Another great eye exercise is shifting perspective. This, quite simply, is the act of looking near and far.
Seniors can begin this exercise by focusing on something within their immediate vision. It should be something about 10 inches away from them. After they have focused on this object for a few moments, they can now shift their perspective further away to another object. Once this is pulled into focus, seniors can shift to another near object and repeat the exercise for about 10 repetitions.
4. Tracking Peripheral Vision
One great eye exercise to adopt is practicing peripheral vision. Seniors can do this by themselves or with the help of a home health aide. This exercise requires a small object to practice with. This doesn’t have to be anything specific, it just needs to register if placed in the peripheral!
Seniors, or a helper, can move the object from the left to the right, tracing it’s path as it moves. The goal is to follow the object only with their eyes, and not move their head.
