Gentle eye massage
Guided, timed self-massage of the temples, brow points and closed lids – with very light pressure.
A gentle massage around the eyes can be a pleasant way to release tension after a long day of screen work. This guided exercise takes you through three short stages with a timer: slow circles on the temples, light pressure along the eyebrows, and a very gentle massage of the closed eyelids. Each stage is timed so that you can follow along without counting.
The muscles of the forehead, temples and around the eyes often tighten when we concentrate, squint or frown at a screen. Massaging these areas lightly can feel relaxing and may help ease the sensation of tired or tense eyes. The gentle lid massage can also help the oil glands along the lid margins release their secretions, especially after a warm compress. However, this is a comfort measure: massage does not improve eyesight or treat eye disease.
The most important rule is to never press on the eyeball itself. Keep all pressure on the bony rim around the eye and use only the weight of your fingertips on the lids. People who have had recent eye surgery, have glaucoma, an eye infection or an injury should not massage the eyelids without asking their doctor. If tension around the eyes comes with frequent headaches, read about eye strain and headaches.
How to do it
- Wash your hands, remove contact lenses and sit comfortably.
- Press start. Temples: make slow, small circles with your fingertips on both temples.
- Eyebrows: press lightly along the brow bone from the inner to the outer end, a few seconds per point.
- Eyelids: close your eyes and stroke the lids very gently from the inner to the outer corner with a fingertip.
- Use only feather-light pressure on the lids and never press the eyeball.
- When the timer ends, rest with your eyes closed for a few breaths.
What it helps with
- Helps release tension in the forehead and temples
- A soothing, calming ritual after screen work
- Light lid massage can help oil glands release secretions
- Raises awareness of facial tension during concentration
Tips
- Do it after a warm compress for the best lid-massage effect.
- Keep your nails short and hands clean.
- A drop of artificial tears afterwards can feel refreshing for dry eyes.
Caution: Never press on the eyeball. Do not massage the eyes after recent eye surgery, with glaucoma, eye infections, injuries or a retinal problem unless your doctor approves. Stop if you feel pain or vision changes.
Frequently asked questions
Can eye massage improve my eyesight?
No. It may feel relaxing and ease tension, but it does not change vision or treat eye disease.
How much pressure should I use on the eyelids?
Very little – about the weight of your fingertip. All firmer pressure belongs on the bones around the eye, never on the eyeball.
Is it safe with glaucoma?
Pressing on the eye can raise eye pressure, so people with glaucoma should ask their eye doctor before doing any eyelid massage.
Can I do it with makeup on?
It is better to remove eye makeup first to avoid rubbing particles into the eye.