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Computer Eyestrain: Prevent And Treat Tired Eyes With Exercises
"Computer vision syndrome (CVS), defined as a complex of eye and vision problems that are experienced during and related to computer use, is a repetitive strain disorder that appears to be growing rapidly, with some studies estimating that 90 percent of the 70 million U.S. workers using computers for more than 3 hours per day experience it (CVS) in some form." Computers are becoming ubiquitous throughout the United States and the rest of the world. At the same time, people are spending increasingly more time looking at screens and monitors. Though we are becoming creatures who spend more and more time inside at desks, humans evolved biologically as hunters and gatherers. Our vision developed primarily for seeing distance (98% of all humans are born farsighted). Our eye muscles are at their most relaxed state when we use our vision to look at distant objects and large spaces. In a similar fashion, our bodies were designed for movement. Maintaining a sitting posture for long periods of time is unnatural for us. When we work against our nature in this way, staying at a computer for long periods of time without breaks can place a strain on our bodies and result in a condition called computer fatigue syndrome. Studies show that computer users blink less often when at their machines, which, according to Japanese researchers, greatly increases one's risk of developing transient, or short-term, dry eyes. Over a period of time, excessive computer use can have cumulative negative effects including the worsening of farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, eye-focusing disorders, and poor eye coordination. In addition, prolonged periods of sitting in the same position can cause neck and shoulder stiffness, as well as stress headaches, which can then cause jaw pain (referred to TMJ or temporomandibular joint). Eye exercises can help to both prevent and remedy computer eye strain. Try this exercise called Palming, which helps to reduce stress around the eyes. When you place your palms around your eyes you are stimulating very powerful acupuncture points that help to calm the mind, relax the muscles surrounding the eyes, and bring healing energy to the eyes (through increased circulation). • Remember to breathe. Take two deep breaths to begin. • Sit at a flat table. Lean forward, place your elbows on the table, and close your eyes gently. Avoid placing stress on your neck by ensuring that your elbows are at a proper angle and your arms are bearing the weight of your head. • Now, place the palm of your left hand over your left eye with your fingers on your forehead, and the hollow of your palm directly over the eye, but not touching it. Be sure there is enough room to blink. The heel of your hand rests on the cheekbones. • Then place your right hand over your right eye with the fingers crossing over the fingers of the left hand. The right palm should be placed over the eye and the heel of the hand should rest on the cheekbones in the same manner as the left. • With palming you are giving your eyes a break from the constant effort of seeing, and you can just focus on relaxing your mind and eyes simultaneously. Even though we recommend that you do this for only three minutes, palming can be done for as little or as much as you like throughout the day as a way to relax your eyes and relieve the tensions of daily life. To prevent eye strain, remember breaks are important! Short, frequent breaks are better than longer, less frequent breaks. Try 2-3 minutes every 15-20 minutes, 5 minutes every 30 minutes, or 10 minutes every hour. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com You can request eye exercises specific to several eye conditions: www.naturaleyecare.com/eye-sample.asp Also, there are videos of exercises here: www.naturaleyecare.com/videos.asp |
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