Eye Exercises for Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is one of the most frustrating issues a person can experience. This is in large part due to the fact that so many different conditions can cause blurry vision, so it’s hard to know what exactly is causing this symptom. In some cases, it’s something temporary, like fatigue or digital eye strain. In others, it’s a long-term problem like myopia or old age. But sometimes, the cause of blurry vision is more worrying, like glaucoma. You can also develop blurry vision simply because you are wearing the wrong eyeglass prescription. With so many causes, it’s difficult to know what to do to improve blurry vision.

Luckily, there are a variety of eye exercises for blurry vision that can make a true difference in your visual acuity. Below, we’ll break down six exercises to improve blurry vision naturally and provide some much-needed relief in just a few minutes per day.

Causes and Solutions for Blurry Vision

Beyond the conditions discussed above, another common cause of blurry vision is excessive sun exposure. This is because UV rays from the sun damage the eyes, especially UV-B rays. One of the easiest things you can do to maintain your visual acuity as you age is to wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside. The sun’s rays can even penetrate clouds, so it’s important to pull out your shades even if it seems like you don’t need them.

One of the best ways to reverse blurry vision naturally is through eye exercises. These easy routines can promote visual acuity and help prevent vision decline as you age. Here are six great eye exercises to improve vision.

1. The 10-10-10 Rule

When thinking about how to improve eyesight during your workday, practicing the 10-10-10 Rule should be at the top of your list. This is because focusing on objects like the computer screen, TV screen, or even a book for too long can cause blurry vision. It can also cause more long-term issues like digital eye strain. You can also experience long-term damage to the ciliary muscles of your eyes if you spend too much time focused on a screen or book. As one of the best eyestrain vision therapy exercises, the 10-10-10 eye exercise ensures you don’t overuse your up-close vision muscles.

To complete this exercise, you’ll need to pay attention to how much time you are spending staring at the screen. Every 10 minutes or so, look away from your work and focus on an object at least 10 feet away for 10 seconds. This will give your eyes the little “reset” they need to recharge before going back to the task at hand. When you sit down for focused work, set a timer to remind you to give your vision these quick breaks every 10 minutes.

2. Boost Your Blinks

Blinking is perhaps one of the easiest and best eye exercises for blurry vision. And, the best part is that you already do it fairly often! However, when we are looking at a screen, we subconsciously blink less. Our eyes then get dry, and our vision gets blurry as a result.

So, to complete a blinking eye exercise, you’ll want to set yet another timer. This time, set one for every hour. When your timer goes off, blink very firmly and hold it for two seconds. Do 10 repetitions of this exercise. This will give your eyes time to relax, and it will also help circulate moisture. Being more conscious about your blinking can save your eyes some stress.

3. Get Palming

Here’s yet another exercise you can work into your brief breaks during your workday: palming. Palming is an exercise that is not only relaxing for your eyes but also for your mind.

To complete this exercise, rest comfortably in a chair. Then, place your elbows on your desk, table, or lap. Rub your hands together to generate some heat before gently placing your palms over your eyes. Hold them there for about 10 minutes, and allow both your vision and your brain to relax. This is the perfect exercise for people who suffer from headaches or migraines!

4. Stop, Tone, and Roll

We’ve been taught not to roll our eyes (or at least not to roll our eyes in public). However, in this case, it is socially acceptable to do so because it’s another great eye exercise for blurry vision.

When you roll your eyes in a controlled, intentional manner, you actually help tone your eye muscles. You also circulate blood and oxygen around your eyes. To engage in this exercise, start by slowly rolling your eyes in both directions. Increase your speed gradually. Aim for 15-20 repetitions before you get back to work.

Another version of this exercise is figure eights. For this variance, instead of rolling your eyes in one direction and then the other, you’ll trace a figure eight pattern on the wall in front of you (make sure it is about 10 feet away). If this is difficult without some guidance, you can even put a couple of pieces of tape or thumbtacks on the wall to trace. Whichever version you choose, your eyes should feel stretched, refreshed, and ready for your next challenge.

5. Pencil Pushups

Another one of the best exercises for your eyes is the pencil pushup. It might sound like you need to visit the gym for this one, but trust us – it can also be completed at your desk.

If your blurred vision is caused by convergence insufficiency, this is the exercise for you. It can help you improve eye teaming, or convergence. To start, focus on a pencil as you slowly move it from arm’s length towards your nose until the image doubles. Then, move it back out. Doing 10 repetitions of this a few times a day will help strengthen your eye muscles and reduce blurry vision.

6. Near/Far Focusing

We’ll finish up with another easy exercise for blurry vision. Near/far focusing is a vision exercise that strengthens eye muscles and improves the ability to switch focus between close-up and distant objects. It helps with eye coordination, reduces eye strain, and can prevent more long-term issues like presbyopia.

To complete this exercise, hold your thumb (or another small object) close to your body. Then, quickly shift your focus to a distant object located across the room. Rapidly alternate your focus 5-10 times in a row to reap the maximum benefits of this exercise, which will help train your ciliary muscles to adjust quickly. 

Prevention to Keep Your Eyes Strong and Clear

There is a lot you can do when considering how to improve eyesight, especially if you are experiencing blurry vision. Incorporating free eye exercises, regular cardio exercise, and a nutritious diet will support healthy vision for the duration of your life.

If your diet doesn’t give you all the nutrients your eyes need, consider taking a supplement. A daily eye vitamin, like the Ocu-Plus Formula, is a great way to get the essential vitamins your eyes need.

However, if you try these steps and are still experiencing symptoms, it is time to visit your eye doctor. They can run a series of tests and help you figure out the root cause of your blurry vision. As with any eye condition, prevention is the first step; don’t wait until it’s too late. To prevent blurry vision, start taking care of your eyes and vision today.