Gavin Whittaker

Robert Geake <rob@thegeakes.co.uk> writted:
: Hello Peeps

: Is it possible to strain the "focus muscle" of the eye such that
: focus is lost until the muscle repairs?

: I ask you guys simply because we are allways using one eye
: which would, in theory, increase the risk of injury.

The eye is designed/has been evolved to constantly alter focus to
different distances. The risk that you run is therefore similar to that
from, say, continuously looking at a computer screen or TV, where the eye
is required to remain focused at a constant distance. This is just common
eye strain, which is equivalent to a cramp in any other muscle. I've never
heard of anyone suffering eye muscle injury as your legs might after running
a marathon, but then I'm not an opthalmologist.
The treatment or prevention is exercise by getting your eye to focus
as different distances - for example, by holding a stick, focusing on it,
and keeping it focused as you move your arm in and out. This is usually done
for 15-20 or so repetitions 3x per day. It should not be attempted whilst
crossing a major road.

If you're aiming to use the potential for muscle injury to get astronomy
considered as an olympic sport, I say stop now.

HTH, Gavin