This week, Beth drops by to share two great exercises for your eyes. We all know that as we get older, our eyes begin to change. Not only can these changes impact our normal, everyday lives, they can also affect our ability to effectively use our firearms. The good news is that we can exercise our eyes — just like any other part of our bodies.
Please do not attempt these exercises if you have issues or problems with your eyes. And, as with any new exercises, consult your doctor before beginning a new routine.
Exercise #1: Zooming
Start by extending your arm out straight in front of your body at roughly the same height as your nose. Your thumb should be up, as if giving someone a sign of approval. Your focus should be on the tip of your thumb. Slowly bring your thumb back toward your face until it is approximately 3 inches away from your nose. You may feel a little cross-eyed, but give your eyes a few moments to adjust and focus. Once your eyes have focused, begin pushing your arm back out to full extension, keeping your eyes focused on the tip of your thumb. Repeat this exercise 3-5 times, a few times a week.
Exercise #2: Focusing
Pick out an object across the room from you that is more than 10 but less than 25 feet away. Now extend your arm with your thumb up like we did in the previous “Zooming” exercise. Your thumb should be in the same line of sight as the object you picked out. Move the focus of your eyes from the object to your thumb. It may take a second or so for your eyes to focus on your thumb. Once you are focused in on your thumb, lower your thumb slightly and reacquire focus on the object. You should feel it as your eyes focus back and forth between the object and your thumb. Repeat this exercise 3-5 times, a few times a week.
Don’t wait until you have problems with your eyes to start exercising them. Try out these simple yet effective exercises and see how your ability to focus on the front sight of your firearm and your target transitions improve.
Vary your training. Keep it fun. Keep it safe. And keep practicing.
