Our eyes are the most important of the five senses and because they are, we pay particular attention to any deviation that prevents us from seeing properly. There was a time, not too long ago, that the moment we experienced any problem with our vision, we would visit our ophthalmologist to determine the health of our eyes. If he suggested reading glasses, we followed his advice.
Today, a new approach to eye care is becoming more popular, i.e., saving our eyesight utilizing natural methods so that we can avoid surgery and eyeglasses and, instead, focus on alternative and holistic approaches to better eye health.
One of the most interesting facts that were discovered when researching eye health in this country is this: While studies have shown that less than 3% of children have visual defects at birth, as adults they are part of two-thirds of the population who will be prescribed eyeglasses.
This raises an interesting question and one that has been and is part of an on-going debate: Do we really need to wear eyeglasses? Traditional medicine suggests we do, but those who favor a non-traditional and more holistic approach to eye health differ. Their notion is that wearing eyeglasses in effect blinds us to the real problems associated with poor eyesight, and that increased eye strain and the degeneration of eyesight is a direct cause of optical lenses.
The Bates Method
One of the most well-known ophthalmologists who became fascinated with eye health was a man named William Bates. He began his internship at Columbia hospital, and because he was directly involved in determining what caused eye problems in his patients, he studied the inner-workings of the eye thoroughly. He concluded that the external muscles of the eye determined good eyesight and not, as conventional wisdom suggested, the lens itself.
His conclusion, after years of patient study, was that wearing eyeglasses did absolutely nothing to improve conditions under which one is better able to see, but that these lenses created additional stress on the eye muscles. He contended that eyeglasses and contact lenses caused more harm than good and did not improve vision at all. Thus, while eyeglasses are utilized to correct light that is entering the eye, the problem is not the light, but the eye.
Bates had a belief system that insisted eye problems composed two main categories: Stress and mental strain. He believed that when one is under stress, the muscle in the eye is greatly affected, and that a calm state of mind can reduce the strain that is caused by the stress. Thus, he utilized a method wherein one can relax the muscle in the eye via exercise and begin to retrain one eye to focus naturally and without strain.
His notion is one that makes sense. Everyone has the ability to see things clearly and should do so in a relaxed state of mind. Looking at any object in a relaxed state alleviates any strain caused to the eyes, and it is the natural way in which the eyes are meant to operate. Without the stress of focusing on things we cannot see results in the ability to see.
Thus, the Bates Method of Seeing encompassed four main exercises that are used in combination with a relaxed mental state:
Palming — While many ophthalmologists are not well-versed in this method, it is nonetheless important for eye relaxation. Simply sit at a table with the head resting on the hands, ensuring the fingers are set against the forehead. The eyes are then covered wherein no light can penetrate. In addition, the hands do not touch the eyes at all. This state of relaxing the eyes for a few minutes has been quite effective in improving vision.
Sunning — Studies have shown that this method is necessary and valuable to the eyes. Go out on a sunny day, close your eyes and point your head up to the sun. Gently sway back and forth as the suns light bathes the eyes.
Swinging — As you hold your index finger in front of your eyes, rock back and forth. Bates determined that this helps to incorporate both peripheral vision and focus at the same time.
Blinking — This well-known exercise combined with breathing exercise allows for the relaxation and massaging of the eyes while lubricating them at the same time, and brings a balance within.
Use these exercises to improve your eyesight today.
todd raymer health consultant
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