Natural Vision Habits

Ophthalmologist Dr. William H. Bates, M.D. (1860-1931) discovered the principles and habits underlying natural eyesight. Concurrently, Bates discovered the interferences to normal sight. Bates showed that when vision lowers, it is due to acquiring incorrect vision habits. Strained vision habits create nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and many other vision problems. During periods of high stress, many people experience a lowering of their sight. Bates then taught students to stop interfering with their clear vision; they were literally relearning to see. There are three principles underlying natural and clear sight: relaxation, centralization and movement. 1. Relaxation: Blink frequently. Staring is strain and always lowers our vision. Deep breathing also helps us to relax. Take vision breaks every 30 to 45 mins to look at far distance will also help to relax the eye. 2. Centralization: Shift the glance constantly from one point to another, seeing the part regarded best and other parts not so clearly. That is, when you look at a chair, do not try to see the whole object at once and other parts worse. Remember to blink as you quickly shift your glance back to the seat and legs, seeing each part best, in turn.

3. Movement: The head and eyes are moving all day long, Imagine that stationary objects are moving in the direction opposite to the movement of your head and eyes. When you walk about the room or on the street, notice that the floor or pavement seems to come toward you, while objects on either side appear to move e that stationary objects are moving the direction opposite to the movement of your head and eyes. Practicing correct vision habits removes the incorrect habits which created the blurred vision. When a person relearn correct vision habits, the vision will gradually improves.