Dry Eye and Blinking Exercises
By InSight Vision Group- February 17, 2022
As we grow more dependent on technology to work and connect with our loved ones, the amount of time spent on a screen has increased to an average of 7 hours a day. With the amount of information we can share through our digital technology, it has changed the way that we see the world, and there is mounting research that show it also affects our eyes.
According to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, a person blinks up to 66 percent less frequently while using a computer. When our minds are intently focused on something, we blink less often because we don’t want to miss anything. Blinking is important because it helps cleans the ocular surface of debris and spreads hydrating substances like tears and mucus across your eyes.Learning simple blinking eye exercises can help alleviate the symptoms of dryness. These exercies are easy to integrate into our daily routine and can produce relief.
Blinking Exercise
Gently close the eyes fully – count 1,2
Squeeze the lids together – count 1,2
Open the eyes – count 1,2
Repeat the exercise 5 times
Squeeze the lids together – count 1,2
Open the eyes – count 1,2
Repeat the exercise 5 times
This exercise should be repeated every waking hour for two weeks and then at least four times a day – or once an hour if at the computer.
Eyelid Exercise
Close your eyes gently and hold your fingers at the corners of your eyes and purse your eyes together to blink. Your blinking muscles are above the eyelids. If you feel any movement under your fingers, you are using the wrong muscle group. Hold the blink for 3 seconds and release. Repeat 10 times. Try to repeat several times throughout.