This is the first of three posts. Here are links to the second and third posts.

Have you ever taken a Yoga class? Yoga is amazing for relaxing, strengthening, and listening to your body and mind. Well, your eyes can benefit from the same type of activity. Better yet, it is simple, can be performed anywhere, and is free.

The purpose of Eye Yoga is to stretch and relax your eye muscles, to develop an awareness of how the eyes move, and to control that movement in a coordinated and efficient manner.

Eye stretches

Set-up: Stand up straight with feet shoulder-width apart and bearing equal weight. Your hands should be comfortably at your side.

1. Start with your eyes open and looking straight ahead. Move your eyes to the 4 primary positions of gaze (up, down, left and right), forming a + with the eye movement.
2. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds in each direction. Become aware of how your eyes feel and what they see.
3. Then move your eyes to the 4 diagonal positions of gaze (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left), forming an x with the eye movement.
4. Encourage the eyes to stretch to the maximum distance without causing extreme discomfort. The goal is to perform the task with eye movement only (no head movement) and while maintaining good balance.
5. Repeat with eyes closed.

As with any new activity or exercise program, start slowly at first. If you experience significant pain, double vision, or other visual problems, consult your Optometrist.

Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD
Bright Eyes Family Vision Care
Located in the Westchase area of Tampa.