Many teenagers experience problems with their eyes because of strain caused by different activities. Teenagers tend to do a lot of reading and writing at school, and also have a tendency to watch television and play video games regularly for entertainment. Watching television and playing video games can put a lot of pressure on the eyes, leading to eye irritation. The American Academy of Ophthalmology found that staring at a television for too long can cause eye strain. This article looks at how you can care for your eyes, and includes information on:
- Eye exercises
- Palming your eyes
- Massaging your eyes
- Wearing contact eye lenses
You can minimize the eye discomfort that comes with taking part in everyday teenage activities by doing a few exercises each day.
Eye Exercises
You should spend 20 to 30 minutes each day exercising the tiny muscles in and around your eyes to keep them fit and healthy. One exercise that can be done while seated or standing is closing your eyes tightly for a couple of seconds and then opening them as widely as possible. Then, stabilize the position for a couple of seconds. Repeat this exercise four to five times. You can also roll your eyes in a clockwise direction four to five times, and then in an counterclockwise direction. You can also relax the muscles in your eyes by moving your head up and down.
Palming and Massaging Your Eyes
Palming your eyes can help to take the strain away from them, and can be done at any time of day. Begin by sitting down and making yourself comfortable. Then, close your eyes and rub your palms together until they become warm. Place your warm palms over your eyes without applying any pressure to the eyeballs. Ensure that no light enters the eyes, and visualize a happy incident or some beautiful scenery. Eventually, the eyes will see nothing but darkness. When you reach this stage, slowly remove your palms and gradually open your eyes. Repeat palming a couple of times, and while performing this exercise, keep your breath normal.
Massaging your eyes can be very soothing. You need to start off by making sure that your hands are clean and dry. Next, relax, close your eyes and massage around the eyes in a circular motion for a couple of minutes with your fingers. You can also apply light pressure to the inner and outer edges of the eye.
Teenage Contact Lenses
Teenagers are often very self-conscious about their physical appearances and can worry about people teasing them for wearing eyeglasses. Sometimes, teens who are repeatedly teased can turn to substance abuse to deal with the emotional pain. If you feel that this applies to you, call 1-888-388-5605 to talk about your abuse and addiction issues with someone. It has been found that boys are less likely to be self-conscious about wearing eyeglasses, but self-esteem in both genders is improved by wearing contact lenses.
As long as teens follow good hygiene rules and carefully follow any instructions given by an eye doctor, wearing contact lenses should not cause any health problems. Disposable contact lenses are usually the best option, as they are more hygienic. However, these are often more expensive than their reusable counterparts.
If you are interested in contact lenses, your ophthalmologist will test your eyes to determine your prescription, discuss the type of lenses to best suit your needs, and explain how to use them safely. Let your ophthalmologist know if you play sports, as it is possible to get softer lenses that are suitable for use in sporting situations.
Because contact lenses are so comfortable, you can sometimes forget that you are wearing them. It is really important to take your lenses out before going to sleep, as they could slip around the back of your eye if left in. You are also advised against wearing fake contact lenses to color your eyes because they can lead to scarring and even blindness.
