How Do I Maintain Eye Health From Optical Illusions?

Optical illusions trick our minds by confusing the way our eyes perceive things.

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, optical illusions are images created to confuse the eyes' perception and trick our minds into seeing what is not there. Some illusions make a two dimensional image appear three dimensional. Others show movement, shapes and colors where none exists. It is safe to view optical illusions; the images themselves are not harmful. However, viewing optical illusions on a computer screen or over a long period of time can cause eyestrain -- resulting in dry, itchy, and sore eyes often accompanied by light sensitivity. The Mayo Clinic suggests eyestrain be prevented rather than treated.

Instructions

1. Blink your eyes frequently while staring into optical illusions. The Mayo Clinic mentions that staring for long periods of time takes away the natural urge to blink. Without blinking our eyes become dry and irritable.

2. Follow The Mayo Clinic's 20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes you spend focused and staring, look at something at least 20 ft. away from you for 20 seconds or more. Small breaks like this can go a long way in preventing eyestrain.

3. Massage the eye area any time you feel persistent discomfort. Gently rub your fingertips in a small circular motion over your temples, brow bone, forehead, and eyelids for 10 to 15 seconds each.

4. Relax your neck, shoulders and upper body for several minutes if the strain you feel begins to spread into these areas. The Mayo Clinic notes that pain extending into the neck and shoulders is a common symptom of eyestrain.

5. Move the monitor back from your face at least 20 inches if you must view optical illusions on a computer. Keep the screen dust free and avoid situating it where outside light hits and creates a glare.

6. Use plain artificial tears if eye dryness is not relived by blinking or by massaging the eye lids. A humidifier in the room can also help keep eyes properly moisturized.

7. Stop staring at any one illusion if trying to "see" the trick becomes painful to your eyes. Instead take a short break and try again later.

Tips & Warnings

• The Mayo Clinic recommends that eyestrain that causes blurred vision, double vision, or painful headaches should be checked out by your eye care professional.

References

• "National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences": Optical illusions
• "The Mayo Clinic" Eyestrain: Definition
• "The Mayo Clinic": Eyestrain: Prevention
• "The Mayo Clinic": Eyestrain: Symptoms