Yoga For Eyes: 5 Simple Exercises To Improve Eyesight

In the current decade, it is safe to say that this is the screens dominate generation with most if not all our daily activities need the use of a gadget. Considering this eye health has become a major concern. Children, once actively engaged in outdoor activities, now spend most of their time on gadgets like phones, tablets, and computers.

Similarly, adults also spend long hours working or browsing on screens, leading to digital eye strain. This constant strain contributes to various vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

To alleviate these issues, yoga offers a natural and effective way to improve eye health and reduce strain.

Here are five simple yoga exercises to enhance your eyesight and ease digital eye strain.

1. Palming

Palming is a simple yet effective exercise that relaxes your eyes and relieves stress. Here’s how you can do it:

- Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths to relax.

- Rub your palms together until they feel warm, then gently place your palms over your closed eyelids.

- Let the warmth from your palms be absorbed by your eyes, relaxing the muscles around them.

- Stay in this position for a few moments, then slowly lower your hands.

- Repeat this process at least three times to allow the heat to soothe your eyes and relieve tension.

2. Blinking

Blinking helps refresh your eyes and prevent dryness caused by staring at screens for long periods. Here’s how to do it:

- Sit comfortably and open your eyes.

- Blink rapidly 10 times in a row.

- Close your eyes and relax for 20 seconds, focusing on your breath.

- Repeat this cycle about five times.

This exercise will help hydrate the eyes and alleviate the strain caused by prolonged screen time.

3. Eye Rotations

Eye rotations help in improving the flexibility of the eye muscles and enhance blood circulation to the eyes. Follow these steps:

- Sit straight with your spine aligned and your hands resting on your lap.

- Gently rotate your eyes in a clockwise direction for 5-10 minutes, then rotate them in the opposite direction for another 5-10 minutes.

- Make sure to keep your head still during the exercise, focusing only on rotating your eyes.

This simple exercise promotes relaxation and reduces eye fatigue.

4. Up and Down Movement

This movement exercise helps strengthen the eye muscles and increases focus. Here's how to do it:

- Stand straight on the floor or a yoga mat.

- Look up at the ceiling, then shift your gaze to the floor and look up again.

- Repeat this movement 10 times without blinking.

- After completing the exercise, close your eyes and gently press your palms over them to relax.

This exercise can improve your eye focus and reduce the strain caused by constantly looking at near objects like phones and laptops.

5. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)

Bhramari pranayama is a calming breathing technique that can help relieve stress and enhance focus. It also improves eye function by increasing blood circulation to the area. Here’s how to practice it:

- Sit in a cross-legged position and close your eyes.

- Lightly press your thumbs on your ears and your index fingers on the center of your eyebrows. Rest your other fingers at the base of your nostrils.

- Take a deep breath in, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your nose while making a humming sound. Keep your mouth closed while exhaling.

- Repeat this process five times.