Eyestrain

Like many of you, I spend a considerable amount of time at my computer.  One of the effects I’ve been noticing is eyestrain.  I’ve been blessed with good eyesight even though I’m a Baby Boomer and they keep telling us that eyesight declines with age.  So far I’m fine without glasses although doing very close-up work, like reading labels on supplement bottles, is beginning to come under the heading of “fuzzy”.

Long hours staring at a computer screen causes us to forget to blink and replenish moisture to our eyes.  We only blick about 5 times per minute as opposed to the average of 12 times.  But there is a way to relieve sore eyes, and it’s as close as your fingertips.

Rub your hands together briskly for 10 seconds, generating heat. Close your eyes and place your palms over your eyes, resting the heels of your hands on your cheekbones and your fingertips on your forehead. Do not apply pressure.  Hold your hands in place for at least one minute while you relax your facial muscles and breathe deeply.  The deep breathing coinciding with the warmth of your palms combines to relax the weary muscles around your eyes.

Do this about every 20 minutes.  It’s also a good idea to get up from in front of the screen, move around and focus your eyes on other things, particularly objects in the distance.  Be good to your eyes and they will be good to you!