Dr. William Bates, an ophthalmologist from New York, has developed some eye exercises that he claims can improve vision if the cause is tension or stress in the eye muscles. Some people dispute his theories, but others claim improvement in astigmatism, short and far-sightedness and lazy eye.
Focusing
People who spend time at the computer or in a job that requires the same distance of focus throughout the day can benefit from changing their focus. Go outside and find something in the farthest distance you can see. Focus on that object for ten seconds, then quickly look at something close—approximately three to five feet away. Once you see that item clearly, choose something at a midway point between the farthest and the closest distances and focus on that for ten seconds. Repeat these steps ten times, twice per day.
Relaxation
Sit in a comfortable position at a table. Place your elbows on the table, cup your hands and place the palms of your hands over your closed eyes. Inhale slowly and deeply, while allowing your eyes to relax in darkness. Do this for ten minutes, twice per day.
Range of Vision
Hold your head in a steady position, facing forward. Look up as far as you can, without moving your head, until your eyes reach the edge of your vision. Slowly roll your eyes to the right, then back to the top, to the left and return your eyes to the top again. Look forward and relax before reversing this motion by looking down as far as you can, to the right, back down and to the left. If you experience eye pain, back off a little bit until you can do this exercise without the pain. Repeat this exercise ten times, twice per day.
Blink and Sway
Stand up and relax your eyes. Find a distant object to focus on. Gently sway from side to side while continuing to focus on that object. Blink with each sway to clean and lubricate your eyes. Work your way up to doing this exercise 100 times per day.
Vary the Focus
Hold an object at arm’s length and focus on it. Inhale as you pull the object close to your eyes. Touch the object to your nose without losing sight of it. Slowly move the object back to its original position as you exhale. Repeat this ten times, twice per day.
About this Author
Debby Mayne started writing health and parenting articles in 1992. Approximately 100 of Mayne’s articles have appeared in regional parenting magazines. She has been managing editor of “Coping with Cancer” magazine and product information writer for HSN. Her degree is in health, PE and recreation from the University of Southern Mississippi. During college, Mayne worked as an instructor at a fitness center.
