Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: UK
Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
I am easily within limits for Class 1 however am curious to see if anybody has any experience of the Bates method of eye exercises for improved vision. I am sure that computers and books are responsible for me requiring glasses as I have only required them for about four years!
If it has worked for anybody, what difference has it made to your perscription?
I am a bit skeptical on this one
If it has worked for anybody, what difference has it made to your perscription?
I am a bit skeptical on this one
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,543
Likes: 10
From: Samsonite Avenue
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
I recently read an article, which had techniques on eye exercises to improve vision. I have to admit that I am a bit sceptical but apparently people who have done the exercises and have had to ditch their specs.
There is a lot of reading on the topic but no doubt your local optician will dismiss the whole topic as not being worthwhile!
There is a lot of reading on the topic but no doubt your local optician will dismiss the whole topic as not being worthwhile!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: -
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
As I just posted in another thread, I have reduced my nearsighted vision to half, from about -1.50/-1.25 to -0.75/-0.50.
Look for
natural vision
or
vision improvement
on Google.
But let me write the basics:
The focus of the eye is more or less static, unchangeable, but the lens you focus with is not. It is controlled by (I think) 6 muscles in each eye.
If you are nearsighted, you cannot relax these muscles enough to focus far (as if you cannot reach your feet with your hands, legs stretched out).
If you are farsighted, you cannot contract these muscles far enough.
If you are hindsighted ...
Anyway, for nearsightedness, the solution is (stretching) exercises, wearing reading glasses when reading or doing other near work (or weaker glasses if you are heavily nearsighted). Reading glasses are some places sold as "computer glasses", but they are essentially the same.
Becoming nearsighted has been suggested is the result of prolonged exposure to very short focsing, as if reading at a too close distance. Wearing reading glasses resembles focusing at a distance further away, forcing your eye muscles to relax. I remember reading about a Japanese study, where Japanese people were compared with regard to their need for vision correction. There was a clear tendency of the higher educated group to be more nearsighted, while those mainly having a background with shorter education were much less prone to being nearsighted.
I don't know whether it is all true, but it worked for me. Now I am just too lazy to keep up the work to entirely get rid of my nearsightedness.
This is not new at all. The Bates method is over 50 years old I think. This article is from 1973: http://www.chinamyopia.org/Preventionmagazine1973.htm but it has a lot of useful information in it.
This page contains more recent information. I cannot find the Japanese study I mention above, but there are plenty of other studies cited here http://www.preventmyopia.org/validation.html - pointing Myopia/nearsightedness to reading/TV/computer work.
Edit: Here is an animation (Flash) explaining how Myopia can be prevented for kids http://www.preventmyopia.org/flashanimation.html. There is also some effect when you are older, but the earlier you start, the better.
Look for
natural vision
or
vision improvement
on Google.
But let me write the basics:
The focus of the eye is more or less static, unchangeable, but the lens you focus with is not. It is controlled by (I think) 6 muscles in each eye.
If you are nearsighted, you cannot relax these muscles enough to focus far (as if you cannot reach your feet with your hands, legs stretched out).
If you are farsighted, you cannot contract these muscles far enough.
If you are hindsighted ...
Anyway, for nearsightedness, the solution is (stretching) exercises, wearing reading glasses when reading or doing other near work (or weaker glasses if you are heavily nearsighted). Reading glasses are some places sold as "computer glasses", but they are essentially the same.
Becoming nearsighted has been suggested is the result of prolonged exposure to very short focsing, as if reading at a too close distance. Wearing reading glasses resembles focusing at a distance further away, forcing your eye muscles to relax. I remember reading about a Japanese study, where Japanese people were compared with regard to their need for vision correction. There was a clear tendency of the higher educated group to be more nearsighted, while those mainly having a background with shorter education were much less prone to being nearsighted.
I don't know whether it is all true, but it worked for me. Now I am just too lazy to keep up the work to entirely get rid of my nearsightedness.
This is not new at all. The Bates method is over 50 years old I think. This article is from 1973: http://www.chinamyopia.org/Preventionmagazine1973.htm but it has a lot of useful information in it.
This page contains more recent information. I cannot find the Japanese study I mention above, but there are plenty of other studies cited here http://www.preventmyopia.org/validation.html - pointing Myopia/nearsightedness to reading/TV/computer work.
Edit: Here is an animation (Flash) explaining how Myopia can be prevented for kids http://www.preventmyopia.org/flashanimation.html. There is also some effect when you are older, but the earlier you start, the better.
Last edited by LGB; 4th January 2006 at 17:19.
Joined: Dec 2005
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 57
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From: UK
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
That's very interesting, LGB.
I'm -2.50/-2.25 and continually wearing contact lenses to correct my vision. It has just been getting worse and worse since my first check up at 17 or 18 (-0.50/-0.50).
I'm due for a check up soon, so I'm going to ask about reading glasses for computer work/reading. Anything to stop the eyesight from dropping back any further.
Cheers.
I'm -2.50/-2.25 and continually wearing contact lenses to correct my vision. It has just been getting worse and worse since my first check up at 17 or 18 (-0.50/-0.50).
I'm due for a check up soon, so I'm going to ask about reading glasses for computer work/reading. Anything to stop the eyesight from dropping back any further.
Cheers.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Cape Town
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
LGB I would be intersted to know your age, as this would have an effect on the lens in the eye and its ability to change focus. It is true in terms of myopia prevention in kids, that the use of eye exercises (and even low powered convex lenses to relax accommodation) may be far more useful than previously believed - in terms of reducing - or preventing the progression of myopia. Reducing myopia by any significant amount in adults, by eye exercises, has not been proven scientifically. However, just doing the exercises can be good for the eyes as part of its overall focusing and converging function. 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge UK
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
Hi.
I'm long-sighted with astigmatism and about to have LASIK on my left eye to bring it within the class 1 limitations. Medical opinion is that successful LASIK (or other eye surgery) is the only way my left eye will ever be within the 3 diopter cylinder limit.
Do you think there is any hope that the exercises in question would be able to help me? I suppose it's worth asking before I have the operation...
My left eye: +3.00, -4.00 x 45 (6/6+)
The people at aviation house do not reccommend LASIK, but it's (probably) my only option.
What do you think?
I'm long-sighted with astigmatism and about to have LASIK on my left eye to bring it within the class 1 limitations. Medical opinion is that successful LASIK (or other eye surgery) is the only way my left eye will ever be within the 3 diopter cylinder limit.
Do you think there is any hope that the exercises in question would be able to help me? I suppose it's worth asking before I have the operation...
My left eye: +3.00, -4.00 x 45 (6/6+)
The people at aviation house do not reccommend LASIK, but it's (probably) my only option.
What do you think?
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Cape Town
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
Hi AlexEvans
There is not likely to be any form of eye exercises that would reduce that anount of cylinder/astigmatism in the left eye, or even that amount of hyperopia. Your prescription of +3.00DS Hyperopia and -4.00DC of astigmatism is also not in the ideal range for LASIK, although the latest software "driving" the laser attempts to work to that range - I am not sure how accurate/predictable the results of LASIK will be for that Rx though.
There may be other options that you should discuss with your ophthalmologist (besides LASIK), such as an inplantable contact lens, which is reversible and would be able to correct your prescription much more effectively than LASIK. Good luck!
There is not likely to be any form of eye exercises that would reduce that anount of cylinder/astigmatism in the left eye, or even that amount of hyperopia. Your prescription of +3.00DS Hyperopia and -4.00DC of astigmatism is also not in the ideal range for LASIK, although the latest software "driving" the laser attempts to work to that range - I am not sure how accurate/predictable the results of LASIK will be for that Rx though.
There may be other options that you should discuss with your ophthalmologist (besides LASIK), such as an inplantable contact lens, which is reversible and would be able to correct your prescription much more effectively than LASIK. Good luck!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: UK
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
Alex, what did Gatwick say about having LASIK to bring you within the Class1 criteria. I remember reading somewhere they would not allow refractive surgery for Class1 if you didn't already meet the Class1 requirements pre-op. Ie, if you couldn't hold one before LASIK, you can't after it.
It'd be fantastic news if they have said its OK in your case though. Please let me know, I'm in a similar situation! (But had LASIK 3yrs ago for other reasons, am now well within Class1 limits now, but I was outside them before surgery)
It'd be fantastic news if they have said its OK in your case though. Please let me know, I'm in a similar situation! (But had LASIK 3yrs ago for other reasons, am now well within Class1 limits now, but I was outside them before surgery)
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 0
From: Surrey Hills
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
Try Vision for Life.
www.rebuildyourvision.com
I found the program to certainly give my eyes a full workout and
the surrounding muscles too! If nothing else one can feel the whole area
giving some reaction. Last medical I had, the AME said my eyes were 20
years younger than my brain!
Aviate1138
www.rebuildyourvision.com
I found the program to certainly give my eyes a full workout and
the surrounding muscles too! If nothing else one can feel the whole area
giving some reaction. Last medical I had, the AME said my eyes were 20
years younger than my brain!
Aviate1138
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 2
From: Europe
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
All these eye-exercise methodes conveniently forget that most of the refraction is done by the cornea and that with most people's refraction problems the underlying issue is the incorrect length of the visual axis.
I have no doubt that by exercising you can maximise your ability to use your lens and accommodate. No exercise though will be able to correct both cornea and or the optical length of your eye.
I have no doubt that by exercising you can maximise your ability to use your lens and accommodate. No exercise though will be able to correct both cornea and or the optical length of your eye.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge UK
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
Hi Phil M.
Disclaimer: Please understand that I do not claim to be an authority on this subject and you should seek professional advice. However, here is my experience and understanding of the situation.
I was confused by this and may still be! On the CAA web site, they state:
"...the certification limits of eye correction with glasses and the limits of refraction before surgery are the same (+- 5 dioptres), so it is not possible to gain a medical certificate by having refractive surgery, that you would not have obtained by wearing glasses."
I believe that this statement refers to the amount of long or short sight in your prescription, the sphere measurement (first one). If I recall correctly, my eyes meet this requirement but fail to meet the requirement for astigmatism:
"...astigmatism must not exceed 2.0 dioptres."
My left eye's astigmatism (cylinder measurement, second one) is -3.50. However, there is no mention of a pre-operative limit on astigmatism in the CAA Initial Examination Visual Standards pdf, at least not one that I could find.
This lead me to wonder if LASIK would be the ticket to my class 1 medical. I wrote to Aviation House to get clarification in writing. Here's part of their reply:
"...I have discussed your case with Mr Chorley, our Optemetrist here at the CAA, who agrees that should you undergo successful LASIK surgery, you would then fall within the standard for medical certification."
So it would appear that it is possible to obtain a medical by having refractive surgery that you would not have obtained by wearing wearing glasses if the reason you don't meet the visual standards is due to the level of astigmatism and not the amount of long or short sight (refraction?).
Clear as mud?
As it happens, to be safe, I had an "extended opthalmology" at Gatwick just to check for any other reasons why my eyes might fail the medical (there are many) before having LASIK. They found an abnormaility in the endothelium that they suspected was the start of "fuch's distrophy". Having LASIK on an eye in this condition would cause the condition to progress more quickly. I thought at that point that not only would I never be a pilot, but that I might have problems just getting on with everyday life. Next step was a visit to an opthalmic consultant who concluded that this was all a false alarm, so it appears that my flying career is back on. I just need to take the plunge and have LASIK (or some other form of refractive surgery) now.
My advice is to write to Aviation House AMD or even go in and see them. I've heard rumours that the visual requirements might be relaxed in the future too.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Disclaimer: Please understand that I do not claim to be an authority on this subject and you should seek professional advice. However, here is my experience and understanding of the situation.
I was confused by this and may still be! On the CAA web site, they state:
"...the certification limits of eye correction with glasses and the limits of refraction before surgery are the same (+- 5 dioptres), so it is not possible to gain a medical certificate by having refractive surgery, that you would not have obtained by wearing glasses."
I believe that this statement refers to the amount of long or short sight in your prescription, the sphere measurement (first one). If I recall correctly, my eyes meet this requirement but fail to meet the requirement for astigmatism:
"...astigmatism must not exceed 2.0 dioptres."
My left eye's astigmatism (cylinder measurement, second one) is -3.50. However, there is no mention of a pre-operative limit on astigmatism in the CAA Initial Examination Visual Standards pdf, at least not one that I could find.
This lead me to wonder if LASIK would be the ticket to my class 1 medical. I wrote to Aviation House to get clarification in writing. Here's part of their reply:
"...I have discussed your case with Mr Chorley, our Optemetrist here at the CAA, who agrees that should you undergo successful LASIK surgery, you would then fall within the standard for medical certification."
So it would appear that it is possible to obtain a medical by having refractive surgery that you would not have obtained by wearing wearing glasses if the reason you don't meet the visual standards is due to the level of astigmatism and not the amount of long or short sight (refraction?).
Clear as mud?
As it happens, to be safe, I had an "extended opthalmology" at Gatwick just to check for any other reasons why my eyes might fail the medical (there are many) before having LASIK. They found an abnormaility in the endothelium that they suspected was the start of "fuch's distrophy". Having LASIK on an eye in this condition would cause the condition to progress more quickly. I thought at that point that not only would I never be a pilot, but that I might have problems just getting on with everyday life. Next step was a visit to an opthalmic consultant who concluded that this was all a false alarm, so it appears that my flying career is back on. I just need to take the plunge and have LASIK (or some other form of refractive surgery) now.
My advice is to write to Aviation House AMD or even go in and see them. I've heard rumours that the visual requirements might be relaxed in the future too.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: the one less travelled
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
I've used the rebuild your vision programme, as linked to above, run by Orlin Sorensen, co-incidentally an airline pilot....and while I've been pretty lax about it, I've had an improvement in my eyesight at my last check-up.
One of the keys if you wear glasses (not so easy for lense wearers) is to remove them when you don't need them, reducing the reverse effect that LGB talks about utilising when doing close work while wearing a shortsighted prescription (in my case).
You'd be amazed at the amount of time you can get by without the specs...
One of the keys if you wear glasses (not so easy for lense wearers) is to remove them when you don't need them, reducing the reverse effect that LGB talks about utilising when doing close work while wearing a shortsighted prescription (in my case).
You'd be amazed at the amount of time you can get by without the specs...
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Malaysia
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
bluestack.. did u purchase that program? rebuild your visoion what improvement u had? if it's unconvienient for u.. please PM me
hmm flyin dutch...
ya.,. i heard bout the elongated eyeball.. but i believe to certain extend.. the Cilary muscle is also understress.... if we can relieve the stress at the focusing muscle... we might be able to reduce our shortsightedness..... and the shortsightedness that remains will be solely caused by the eyeball shape.. and not the muscle...... thus in this case.. u can reduce the REfraction error cause by the muscle.. that's the best u can do because u can't reshape the eyeball when it's already long.... in short.. we may be able to REDUCE MYOPIA.. but not totally eliminate it... to me .. that's still something... at least.. u can do more stuff without glasses when you are at -2d comapred to when u are at -4.5D.. just a comparision
u get what i mean?.. well that's my theory
hmm flyin dutch...
ya.,. i heard bout the elongated eyeball.. but i believe to certain extend.. the Cilary muscle is also understress.... if we can relieve the stress at the focusing muscle... we might be able to reduce our shortsightedness..... and the shortsightedness that remains will be solely caused by the eyeball shape.. and not the muscle...... thus in this case.. u can reduce the REfraction error cause by the muscle.. that's the best u can do because u can't reshape the eyeball when it's already long.... in short.. we may be able to REDUCE MYOPIA.. but not totally eliminate it... to me .. that's still something... at least.. u can do more stuff without glasses when you are at -2d comapred to when u are at -4.5D.. just a comparision
u get what i mean?.. well that's my theory
Last edited by fhchiang; 15th January 2006 at 14:30.
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
From: -
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
I think I was in my earliy thirties when I improved my vision.
Actually, I didn't get glasses before I was 17 (after several years of lots of reading and studying). I maxed out at ... around -1.5/-1.25, and went down to -.75/-.50, that is, right/left eye. My right eye has always been slightly worse than the left.
It is really about habits. I didn't use the reading glasses much for a while, and I still do a lot of near work. I have kept my vision under control, and at least I seldom wear glasses when not needed. I really shouldn't wear them when flying either, for the sake of the eyes, but for the horizon scan of that odd traffic without transponder (hmmm) that one is supposed to do all the time. Who does that anyway, and even with 20/20, you won't see them in time anyway, unless they are making contrails.
Forget the packages you can buy. There are lots of people, especially Americans who will write books and sell packages for/against anything! All you need is a pair of cheap reading glasses (now I am talking nearsighted), maybe in different strengths. What you want to do is have anything from +1 to +3 more than your prescription, depending on how near you are working. Are you reading a lot, or sitting with your face glued to your laptop at a foots distance or so, go for around +2. If you are around -2, that means just keep your glasses off. If you are -5, buy a pair of +2s and wear when you have contacts on, or get glasses that are +2 more than your normal subscription.
The worst you can do for your eyes is wear your normal glasses and do real near work for a long time. That is just winding up the tension further => stronger glasses next time you get a test.
A bit complicated, but to sum it up, the optimal solution for training your eyes would be a pair of adaptive glasses that adjusted the strength depending on where you look! Unrealistic (at the moment), but they would function just the way the autofocus works in most cameras. For a more realistic solution, glasses with a gradient strength couold be used, but it is very important they do not become crutches for your eyes, but just the opposite.
Actually, I didn't get glasses before I was 17 (after several years of lots of reading and studying). I maxed out at ... around -1.5/-1.25, and went down to -.75/-.50, that is, right/left eye. My right eye has always been slightly worse than the left.
It is really about habits. I didn't use the reading glasses much for a while, and I still do a lot of near work. I have kept my vision under control, and at least I seldom wear glasses when not needed. I really shouldn't wear them when flying either, for the sake of the eyes, but for the horizon scan of that odd traffic without transponder (hmmm) that one is supposed to do all the time. Who does that anyway, and even with 20/20, you won't see them in time anyway, unless they are making contrails.
Forget the packages you can buy. There are lots of people, especially Americans who will write books and sell packages for/against anything! All you need is a pair of cheap reading glasses (now I am talking nearsighted), maybe in different strengths. What you want to do is have anything from +1 to +3 more than your prescription, depending on how near you are working. Are you reading a lot, or sitting with your face glued to your laptop at a foots distance or so, go for around +2. If you are around -2, that means just keep your glasses off. If you are -5, buy a pair of +2s and wear when you have contacts on, or get glasses that are +2 more than your normal subscription.
The worst you can do for your eyes is wear your normal glasses and do real near work for a long time. That is just winding up the tension further => stronger glasses next time you get a test.
A bit complicated, but to sum it up, the optimal solution for training your eyes would be a pair of adaptive glasses that adjusted the strength depending on where you look! Unrealistic (at the moment), but they would function just the way the autofocus works in most cameras. For a more realistic solution, glasses with a gradient strength couold be used, but it is very important they do not become crutches for your eyes, but just the opposite.
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: the one less travelled
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
fhchiang,
yeah, I purchased the rebuild your vision programme. I was -1.5 which through time increased to -1.75 and since starting to use the tips from rebuild your vision and various tips like LGB's I've gone back to approx -1.5.
Although I've not stuck to the programme, I was going to spend a coupla grand on laser surgery so figured the programme was worth the few dollars...
There's a few useful tips in the programme, which it's not my place to pass on for free - but personally, I'd stick to LGB's advice and you'll get the same results for a lot less $$$
yeah, I purchased the rebuild your vision programme. I was -1.5 which through time increased to -1.75 and since starting to use the tips from rebuild your vision and various tips like LGB's I've gone back to approx -1.5.
Although I've not stuck to the programme, I was going to spend a coupla grand on laser surgery so figured the programme was worth the few dollars...
There's a few useful tips in the programme, which it's not my place to pass on for free - but personally, I'd stick to LGB's advice and you'll get the same results for a lot less $$$
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Malaysia
Re: Eye Exercises (Bates Method)
well...
for the past year or so..
i've been reading and using the computer
without my glasses at all.......
but considering i'm
about between -4 to -4.5 in both eye with astig -1.75d both eye...
it's quite a challenge for me.
for the past year or so..
i've been reading and using the computer
without my glasses at all.......
but considering i'm
about between -4 to -4.5 in both eye with astig -1.75d both eye...
it's quite a challenge for me.