First of all I'd like to say that I'm very happy that I found this forum a month ago. This is exactly what I need because the path to natural vision improvement is quite difficult and to be on it alone is even more harder. Being at the beginning of vision improvement seems to be like wanting to climb Mount Everest with only basic knowledge of climbing.
How did I find natural vision improvement?
I found out about natural vision improvement and namely the Bates method a year ago or so. I was watching a few videos about it on Youtube and then I found the site bettereyesightnow, where I ordered the vision improvement package. It gave me a thorough overview of the Bates method, its history, success stories, the nature of eyestrain, exercises etc.
Where I'm at
At this point my eyes are in a pretty bad shape:
- left eye -3.5
- right eye -2.75
- fuzzy vision
- loads of floaters
As I mentioned earlier, I found out about the Bates method a year ago or so, but sadly I haven't been able to implement it to my routine, I've done some exercises like palming and the long swing, but since I haven't done them consistently, apart from temporal reliefs, I haven't experienced anymore benefits. My life has been pretty much a mess for the last year, I'm often depressed and my social life is pretty much non-existent. Also, the amount of floaters in my eyesight has increased tremendously since last December (and that's the time that my life got much more stressful), I see them mostly in monotone bright backgrounds. For example, it's very hard for me to watch the sky, floaters combined with fuzzy vision make watching the sky very harsh for the eyes. There are some good news as well, the last time my vision deteriorated was in 2009, and since then I haven't had the need for stronger glasses.
I got my first glasses when I was 14 (November 2003), their prescription was -0.75 and -0.5 and until 2009, my vision deteriorated. So now I decided to draw the line in the sand and finally take up the Bates method properly because the problems I mentioned are so annoying, especially during summer time.
A few problems and questions
My first problem and also question is about sunning. We don't get much sunlight over here during the wintertime and I've heard about doing the sunning exercise with a lamp. Has anyone done it with success? Also, I'd like some advice on which lightbulbs to use, from what I've heard incandescent lightbulbs are the best, but the strongest I can get over here are 75W, is it enough?
My second question is about the short swing. I think I know how to do the long swing properly, but the short swing seems to be quite tricky to master, so I'd like to get some tips on that.
Is it possible to receive the benefits of palming when you are not in a meditative state? I find really hard to turn off my thoughts, I've tried meditation but I was pretty much unsuccessful in that.
Where I want to get with natural vision improvement/the Bates method
At first, I'd just like to see some benefits, even small ones would encourage me to do the exercise with even more enthusiasm.
In the (hopefully not too distant future) I would mind to regain my vision completely.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to posting to this forum and let's see how this turns out.
PS. If you have any tips concerning the Bates method/natural vision improvement, please post them here. The more, the merrier.
hey, welcome to the forum! I'll try to answer some of your questions. Just some general things, though. Do you wear full prescription glasses? That might be one reason you don't have progress. Everyone has their own opinion on glasses, but you have the following choices (do what is right for you): don't wear glasses again, wear glasses less and less time per day, get a lower prescription to wear when necessary like driving but also wear these glasses less and less time per day.
Also, have you read anything from Dr. Bates? That might help; read, learn, do - repeat!
Quote:My first problem and also question is about sunning. We don't get much sunlight over here during the wintertime and I've heard about doing the sunning exercise with a lamp. Has anyone done it with success?
I haven't used a lamp. But the point is to dilate and contract your pupil. I guess full spectrum lighting is probably better, but don't worry too much as long as it is a point source that you can turn your head through (closed eyes) and notice the movement of relative to you. Try it for 5 minutes a few times a day and see if you notice any difference after a few days. If yes, good, if not, well, try a different light or don't bother. Also, is there little sunlight because you are so far north/south, or because it's cloudy? If it's cloudy, you can practice skying (idea from Meir Schneider) where you face the opposite direction from the sun and look at the clouds. They reflect the light and you can turn your head in this light. Simply spending time outdoors helps, too; recent science shows some UV is actually good for you vision, which backs up Bates's recommendation to get outdoors everyday.
Quote:For example, it's very hard for me to watch the sky, floaters combined with fuzzy vision make watching the sky very harsh for the eyes.
Here's what Dr. Bates wrote about floaters: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.central-fixation.com/perfect-sight-without-glasses/chapter-23.php">http://www.central-fixation.com/perfect ... ter-23.php</a><!-- m -->
After you read that, try out what he says, here's a post I wrote about how I get rid of floaters: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://sorrisi.wordpress.com/2009/10/05/ch-xxiii-floaters/">http://sorrisi.wordpress.com/2009/10/05 ... -floaters/</a><!-- m -->
'getting' the short swing is key to removing the floaters.
Quote:My second question is about the short swing. I think I know how to do the long swing properly, but the short swing seems to be quite tricky to master, so I'd like to get some tips on that.
Start by swaying, simply shift your weight from one foot to the other. Then notice how the room moves.
Here are some tips straight from Dr. Bates: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.central-fixation.com/better-eyesight-magazine/better-eyesight-1926-01.php">http://www.central-fixation.com/better- ... 926-01.php</a><!-- m -->
Of the swings described in that article, I find the universal swing to be most beneficial. Also, it's good to have a solid understanding of central fixation. Here's a post that links to a video about it: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://sorrisi.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/central-fixation/">http://sorrisi.wordpress.com/2010/11/16 ... -fixation/</a><!-- m -->
Quote:Is it possible to receive the benefits of palming when you are not in a meditative state? I find really hard to turn off my thoughts, I've tried meditation but I was pretty much unsuccessful in that.
For palming to benefit, you need to be involved mentally in the process. That doesn't necessarily mean a meditative state, but an agitated state will not help you. Decide that palming is time for you to take care of yourself. When stressful thoughts come up, or you start worrying or whatever, just observe the thought (don't fight it) and simply let it go. Observe, let go, move on to positive thoughts. To prepare for palming, compile a list of positive memories just before palming, and choose to think of those memories. Alternatively, listen to your favorite calm music and just reflect on things you are grateful for in your life. The goal is to think positive, happy thoughts, because those will relax you. Be sure that you are in a position where you can breath fully and easily. Another suggestion is to just pretend you're in a canoe, drifting down a river. Just let everything else go by you, and enjoy the serenity of watching the water or clouds in your imagination.
Quote:At first, I'd just like to see some benefits, even small ones would encourage me to do the exercise with even more enthusiasm.
Get a Snellen chart or calendar and read it every morning from a distance where you can read half of it ok. Some days your vision will be worse, some days better. It might depend on your level of strain or the lighting, it doesn't matter. As you become comfortable looking at it, you can use it as a tool in your vision improvement. Don't worry about seeing better each time you look at the chart. Just observe, how your vision is at that moment. Then, practice a swing or some shifting for 5 minutes. Does it help? If so, great, remember that, write it down! Palm for 5 minutes and that finishes your practice session. Don't test your vision before and after palming. Remember, the chart or calendar should be used as a tool, not a test. If you notice on the chart that shifting improves your vision, well, then practice that kind of shifting every chance you get at other times during the day.
Pick one thing to practice per day. You only have to practice one thing correctly to improve your sight. So when you find something that helps you, just keep repeating it!
