While there is no scientific evidence that the Bates Method works, people in surveys do report improved vision. [2] X Research source Eye exercises may be what is called a “placebo” effect — that is, practitioners report feeling better because they believe the exercises are helping. At the very least, the Bates Method does not harm.
Get into position by sitting in a chair with cushions in front of you. The cushions are for resting your elbows. Or, alternatively, lie on your back with some pillows behind your head. Some people prefer to palm in a darkened room. Close your eyes and place your hands over your eyes with cupped palms. Make sure that you are not putting any pressure on your eyes. There should be no light, or very little, that reaches your vision. Hold this position for 10 minutes to start. At the end of 10 minutes, assess yourself. Do you feel relaxed? If not, continue palming for a longer period.
While sitting, imagine a figure eight placed about ten feet in front of you. Trace the figure up, down, and around with your eyes, keeping your head stationary. Repeat for several minutes. Now, turn the figure eight on its side. With this image in your mind, begin to trace the shape again, slowly, without moving your head. Repeat for several minutes. You can do this exercise practically anywhere, either at home, at work, or even on the subway.
While sitting, perhaps at your desk, put your thumb about ten inches in front of your face and focus on it deeply for about thirty seconds. Next, shift your gaze from the thumb to an object about 10 to 20 feet in front of you. Allow your eyes to refocus and concentrate on the object for another thirty seconds. Take a deep breath and refocus on your thumb. Repeat this shift at thirty-second intervals for about two to three minutes.
To prevent eye strain, pace yourself. Rest briefly about once every 20 minutes by looking away from the screen or closing your eyes. Or try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away or more, for 20 seconds. [6] X Research source Make a conscious attempt to blink regularly. This keeps your eyes well lubricated. If your eyes are tiring at a computer, try to adjust the light. Sometimes glare or harsh lighting can worsen eye strain. When driving, aim vents away from your eyes. Dry, air-conditioned air sucks the moisture out of eyes like a sponge and can worsen eye strain.
Swim goggles will protect your eyes from pool chlorine. While this chemical will probably not permanently damage your vision, it can often irritate and inflame your eyes. Studies show that people who swim with goggles have lower numbers of bacterial colonies in their eyes. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Safety goggles in the workshop goes without saying, and is one of the first rules of safety. These will protect you from any debris that might otherwise cause a corneal abrasion or worse. Ultraviolet light from the sun can damage your corneas, lens, or other parts of the eye. Make sure to wear sunglasses when outside. When choosing sunglasses, go for UV protection that blocks 99 to 100% of rays. Blue-blocking lenses are better than amber, for example. Polarized lenses will also reduce glare for driving. Wear a large hat or cap along with your sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat will block about 50% of UV radiation and reduce the UV rays that get around the glasses.
Nearly one million Americans end up at the doctor each year with infections caused by contact lenses, many because they slept in their contacts or did not practice good contact care. Make sure to remove and properly clean your lenses every day. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source In serious cases, people have become blind from poor contact care, which led to the growth of amoebas. [9] X Research source Remove eye makeup every night, as well. This will prevent small pieces of makeup from winding up in your eye and possibly scratching your cornea. If you leave on mascara, your stiff eyelash may get bent and poke your eye.
Conjunctivitis causes irritation, burning and watery eyes. It can also include a discharge of pus from the eye and crusting on the eyelids and lashes. While probably not permanently harmful, conjunctivitis is certainly unpleasant. You can avoid it by practicing good eye care, like washing your hands and not rubbing your eyes. Use a fresh towel every time you wipe your face. Sharing face towels or napkins with others can transmit conjunctivitis. Do not share makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, or eyeglasses.
Eat fish twice a week, for example. Fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids — proven to reduce the risk of dry-eye syndrome. If you can’t stand fish, try fish-oil supplements. Have sweet potatoes for dinner tonight. Rich in Vitamin A, these spuds are especially good at improving your night vision. Have spinach twice a week. It could be steamed, sauteed in olive oil with garlic, or perhaps in a quiche. It doesn’t matter how you get it, just be sure to have it regularly. Studies show that lutein, a nutrient abundant in spinach, may prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Cook with red rather than yellow onions. Red onions contain more quercetin, an antioxidant that is thought to protect against cataracts.
You should see an optometrist about once every two years if you are a healthy adult. Seniors and diabetics should go more often, once per year. [11] X Research source Make an appointment with your eye doctor is you have any sudden changes in vision, double vision, halos, excess tearing, pain in the eye, sudden flashes of light, or unusual red eye. Any of these could be a symptom of a serious condition.
Most likely you’ll either get glasses or contact lenses. Both are used to correct conditions like near- and far-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Nowadays many people choose contact lenses for cosmetic reasons, or because they don’t slide down the nose or fog up. However, glasses require less in the way of hygiene and everyday care. The choice is really up to you.
Vision surgery is generally done nowadays by laser, like the LASIK procedure. One downside is cost, as this surgery can be as much as a couple thousand dollars per eye. There are also risks of complications like chronic dry eye. While complication arise in about 0–4% of cases, severe vision loss is very unusual. As always, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this procedures, and what options suit you best.
