My Favorite Eye Exercises

Each of these exercises takes just a few minutes a day and can be done at home or in your office. Just remove your glasses (it’s okay to keep your contacts in but preferable to remove them) and follow the simple instructions.

Exercise #1: The Squincher

I’m not sure that “squinch” is a real word, but, if it isn’t, it should be. It’s the face you make when you wrinkle your nose and close your eyes tightly, as if you’re supremely disgusted. It is also a great exercise for relaxing your face and eyes, especially if you’re prone to squinting.

1. To properly squinch, take a deep breath, squeeze your eyes tightly together, exaggerate the wrinkling of your nose and upper lip, and tighten the muscles in your jaw and neck. Hold your breath for two or three seconds, then exhale, opening your eyes and mouth wide to release your muscles.
   
   
2. Wrap it up by closing your mouth and relaxing all the muscles in your face.

This exercise only takes a few seconds and may be repeated two or three times. It is probably best done in private, because squinching can make you look pretty darn silly.

Exercise #2: Hither & Yon

This is a popular exercise for improving accommodation, the automatic adjustment of the lenses to focus from one thing to another. All you need is your thumb and an object of your choice some 10 to 15 feet away.

• Hold your thumb about six inches in front of your face. Look at it for the duration of one complete inhalation and exhalation, then turn your focus to your object in the distance for one full breath. Repeat two more times, then relax.

Sneak this quick exercise in several times a day. You can do it while you’re sitting at your desk, watching TV, or any time you have a few moments.