Eyestrain is a common condition that happens when your eyes get tired from being used, such as when driving long distances or working at the computer. Typically, eyestrain is nothing to worry about, though it can be annoying when you’re trying to do something with fresh eyes. Most people benefit from a short break, but some people need a little more to get their eyes rested. 

If your self-care steps don’t work, contact an eye specialist. In some cases, eyestrain is a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment. In the meantime, here are a few eye exercises that can help with eyestrain. 

Eye Roll 

Most of us remember the eye roll from our teen years. The good news is that the classic eye roll is a great workout for your eyes. It builds strength and prevents your eyes from getting fatigued. Aim for 10 reps twice a day, and make sure you do this slowly to get the full benefit. 

Eye Press

With this exercise, all you have to do is close your eyes and inhale. Put all of your fingers on your eyelids and press gently. Hold for about 10 seconds and then slowly let go. It might take a couple of seconds for things to come into focus. Once your eyes adjust, repeat the process once more. 

Zooming 

If you’re someone who stares at a computer all day, you’ll enjoy the zooming exercise. Sit on a chair, hold your arm out in front of you and put your thumb up. Keep your eyes on your thumb as you slowly bend your elbow and bring your thumb closer to your eyes. Sure, you might look odd to your coworkers, but it’s a quick and simple way to prevent digital eyestrain during your work day. 

Palm Eye Exercise

The palm exercise relaxes your eyes when they feel tired. Cup your hands over your closed eyes and stare into the blank space. You’ll notice that everything slowly turns to black. Do this for 30 seconds – it’s essentially a reset button for your eyes. 

Palming 

Another exercise that makes use of your palms is ‘palming.’ Rub both of your palms together until they are nice and toasty or run them under warm water. Then place both palms over your closed eyes. The heat from your hands will relax your eye muscles and make them feel less tired and fatigued. You can do this a couple of times for the best results. 

These eye exercises don’t require anything more than a few seconds of your time. You can use them whenever your eyes feel tired and sore. However, if you don’t find relief from these exercises, be sure to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to identify the root cause of your eyestrain.