What exercises can I do to improve my blurry vision while reading?

[Jamma]

Hi guys.

I've noticed something weird about my vision. After I have been reading for a while, my vision becomes pretty blurry and I have trouble focusing on things (even distant objects, for a while). I think that I've figured out why; I noticed the other day that I hold what I am reading fairly low down, and I think that when I'm reading I am subconciously holding my head up so that my nose is able to get in the way of one of my eyes.

When I close either eye, I can still see the word that I am focusing on, but it is possible I guess that one eye moves to look at the nose so that it doesn't blur the image of the writing. When I raise the paper up to read it, so that my eyes are looking perpendicular to the floor and my head is in a normal position, I cannot focus on the writing. Also, when I close either eye I can focus it and read quite close, although my right eye is noticably stronger when I do this.

I need to do more testing, to see if it is always like this, if I am fine when reading from a much larger distance (I am long sighted, and wear no glasses), if it has anything to do with when I am tired, if it has to do with dim light etc.

Either way, I was wondering if anyone else gets this? It's not a problem to do with the eye it seems, but with the way your brain tells your eyes to read, so does anybody know any exercises to improve this?

 

[Evo]

Hi guys.

I've noticed something weird about my vision. After I have been reading for a while, my vision becomes pretty blurry and I have trouble focusing on things (even distant objects, for a while). I think that I've figured out why; I noticed the other day that I hold what I am reading fairly low down, and I think that when I'm reading I am subconciously holding my head up so that my nose is able to get in the way of one of my eyes.

When I close either eye, I can still see the word that I am focusing on, but it is possible I guess that one eye moves to look at the nose so that it doesn't blur the image of the writing. When I raise the paper up to read it, so that my eyes are looking perpendicular to the floor and my head is in a normal position, I cannot focus on the writing. Also, when I close either eye I can focus it and read quite close, although my right eye is noticably stronger when I do this.

I need to do more testing, to see if it is always like this, if I am fine when reading from a much larger distance (I am long sighted, and wear no glasses), if it has anything to do with when I am tired, if it has to do with dim light etc.

Either way, I was wondering if anyone else gets this? It's not a problem to do with the eye it seems, but with the way your brain tells your eyes to read, so does anybody know any exercises to improve this?

As you get older, your eyesight changes. It could be as simple as needing reading glasses or bifocals. You said you are farsighted, so reading something close would put extra strain on your eyes.

BUT, we can't tell over the internet. Please see an eye doctor to rule out any problems.

 

[Chi Meson]

Hi guys.
(I am long sighted, and wear no glasses)

You are probably much more far-sighted than you think. Since you can compensate for hyperopia much more than for myopia, you never realize the strain so much when you are young.

I made it to 2nd year in college before I got my eyes checked and found my near point was about 50 yards. If I read for a long while, I need +4 glasses. If I read without glasses, I'm good for about 20 seconds.

 

[Jamma]

I agree with you both, and I probably should go to an eye doctor (or optician =D) but the reason I don't feel that I need glasses is that individually my eyes seem to be able to focus on the page, but when both open they don't so well, which made me think that they are just not alligned and become lazy after I've been reading a while; just sounded like something that you can fix with eye excercises (I have heard of problems like this being fixed with excercises).

 

[Chi Meson]

I agree with you both, and I probably should go to an eye doctor (or optician =D) but the reason I don't feel that I need glasses is that individually my eyes seem to be able to focus on the page, but when both open they don't so well, which made me think that they are just not alligned and become lazy after I've been reading a while; just sounded like something that you can fix with eye excercises (I have heard of problems like this being fixed with excercises).

Not Optician, Not Optometrist,

Ophthalmologist!

Seriously, these are your EYES! Not your biceps!

What's your situation, in college? Got insurance?

 

[Jamma]

Hmm, here we go to the optician to have our eyes examined. I think that they point you to go to a doctor if it is a problem which can't be easily fixed with glasses.

I'm at university and don't have insurance, but I live in the UK so that wouldn't be a problem.

This isn't a massive problem, I can still read things by holding them down and don't notice too much discomfort, but I just feel that if I keep doing this I will be teaching my eyes bad habits. Also, I can read with my eyes looking outwards fine for a while, especially when I'm not tired. It just seems that when I'm tired and I've been reading for a while it happens.

 

[Evo]

Hmm, here we go to the optician to have our eyes examined. I think that they point you to go to a doctor if it is a problem which can't be easily fixed with glasses.

The problem with opticians is that their job is to sell glasses. Just because glasses may improve your sight doesn't mean that you don't have a serious problem causing the vision issue. If you haven't been to an opthamologist recently, it's time to see one.

 

[Proton Soup]

don't forget to blink

 

[Jamma]

don't forget to blink

!, OMFG everything looks super detailed now.
Problem solved thanks =D

 

[lisab]

!, OMFG everything looks super detailed now.
Problem solved thanks =D

Have you tried reading glasses?

 

[turbo]

Have you tried reading glasses?

Really! You can go to the Dollar Store and buy a pair with acrylic lenses (try 1.25 and 1.50 first) for a buck. Presbyopia can strike early in some people.

BTW, you got some advice earlier about seeing an ophthalmologist. I would highly recommend that everyone see an ophthalmologist at least once every 5 years at a minimum. Optometrists can check your acuity and prescribe corrective lenses and that is all. They are not qualified (or allowed) to diagnose medical conditions of the eye. At the most, they may be qualified to fit contacts. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who usually have surgical specialties that they pursue. Having been the IT guy for a large ophthalmic practice that had the top two regional (LARGE region!) retinal specialists anywhere, it was pretty apparent to me how reliant we (the public) are on a very scarce resource. You can suffer a retinal detachment after a hard blow to the head, a car-crash, or even a minor fall.

People can also develop visual impairments due to incipient cataracts, floaters, and other physical problems. No optometrist is qualified or authorized to evaluate such problems. See a real eye doctor (ophthalmologist) at least once every five years or so. I see mine every two years, though we spend much of the time swapping war-stories and catching up.