It was about 30
years ago that I first tested my eyes as I started to experience difficulty to
read. The result was that I received prescription reading glasses as my one eye
muscle was stronger than the other. But in addition to the reading glasses the optometrist
suggested an eye exercise that would strengthen the eye-muscles and with time,
doing the exercises regularly, my eye muscles would adjust.
He suggested that I
had to hold a match in each hand in front of my eyes – the one about 6 inches
away and the other one about 18 inches away. Then I had to focus on the one in
front for a while and then shift the focus to the one at the back, repeating
this shifting from one distance to the other for about 10 minutes each day.
Over the years my
eye muscles adjusted indeed and there was no deterioration of my eyesight,
although I still have to use glasses – but now due to the age factor.
Recently I stumbled
upon an article (1) about a doctor Bates (1860 – 1931) who invented a series of
eye exercises to strengthen or keep the quality of the eyes in check. It was
only then that I realized that over a period of more than 30 years I was a
follower of one of his exercises.
Here is the story
of Dr. William Bates who was the father of the Bates eye exercises. He was
a New York ophthalmologist and specialist in children’s’ eye problems. In 1900,
at the end of a very tiresome day he was aware how much his own eyes ached. It
reminded him of how often his patients complained of eyestrain and
headaches after prolonged reading or writing. In his darkened office, he rested
his elbows on his desk and cupped his palms over his eyes. After ten minutes
his eyes stopped aching and he felt mentally refreshed.
With his eyes back
in focus, he found that objects in his room seemed much clearer and brighter.
This lead to his invention of eyesight training, which is described in a book
he wrote back in 1919 – ‘Better eyesight Without Glasses’.
His revolutionary
eye-sight exercises took the world by storm and he gained many followers who
tested these theories of him and swore by it.
Later on it became
the ‘Seven Bates eye exercises’ and here it is:
1. Remembering
Place the palm of
your hands over your eyes and try without straining to recall an object or
experience in great detail and bright colors. According to Dr. Bates at least
one patient found his eyesight was improved by visualizing a beautiful yellow
buttercup. The principle he applied with this exercise was that remembering
things in the mind’s eye helps people to see them more clearly in reality.
2. Shifting the eyes
Over many years of
practice, he observed that people wearing glasses have the notion to stare
fixedly at an object. This exercise is in the form of advice – never stare
fixedly at an object. Instead, move your gaze constantly from one point of
interest to another. As your eyes become more relaxed, so the movement becomes
smaller, helping your sight to become clearer.
3. Blinking the eyes
Get into the habit
of blinking your eyes regularly, once or twice every ten seconds, to clean and
lubricate the eyes; especially if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
4. Palming the eyes
Sit comfortably and
relaxed at a table. Close your eyes and rest your elbows on a cushion on the
table – your back and neck should be kept straight and your head level. Then
cover your eyes-without touching them with your palms. Think of something
pleasant, such as a favorite holiday spot, or listen to a radio talk show or
story. Do this exercise for about ten minutes, at the very least twice each day
or whenever your eyes feel tired. (This may seem as the same exercise as the
first one but there is a difference.)
5. Near and far
focusing of the eyes
Hold two pencils in
front of your face - one about 75 mm away, the other at arm’s length. Focus on
one with both eyes, then blink and focus on the other. Repeat several times
whenever an opportunity arises. (This is the exercise a good doctor gave me 30
years ago and it helped me!)
6. Splashing the eyes
First thing every
morning, splash your closed eyes 20 times with warm water and then 20 times
with cold water to stimulate circulation. Reverse the process last thing at
night.
7. Swinging your body
Stand with your
feet apart and sway gently from side to side, letting your eyes swing along
with your body’s movement. Be aware of the visual movement as this relaxes your
eyes and helps them to become more flexible. Repeat whenever an opportunity
arises.
Since I stumbled
upon this article on Dr. Bates I started with the other 6 exercises too and I
must admit my eyes feel better and healthier. It is especially the ‘splashing’
exercise that is very good. But, please take note; the purpose of the eye
exercises was never to replace regular eye check-ups as these exercises were
never intended to cure eye diseases or ailments. I still go for an eye test and
check-up every two years. Expert medical check-ups and advice are still a
necessity.
(1) Natural Medicine: Reader’s Digest:
1992
