Eye Exercises That Work – The Bates Method
Seven Bates eye exercises
It was about 30 years ago that I first tested my eyes as I started to experience difficulty to read. The result was that I received prescription reading glasses as my one eye muscle was stronger than the other. But in addition to the reading glasses the optometrist suggested an eye exercise that would strengthen the eye-muscles and with time, doing the exercises regularly, my eye muscles would adjust.
He suggested that I had to hold a match in each hand in front of my eyes – the one about 6 inches away and the other one about 18 inches away. Then I had to focus on the one in front for a while and then shift the focus to the one at the back, repeating this shifting from one distance to the other for about 10 minutes each day.
Over the years my eye muscles adjusted indeed and there was no deterioration of my eyesight, although I still have to use glasses – but now due to the age factor.
Recently I stumbled upon an article (1) about a doctor Bates (1860 – 1931) who invented a series of eye exercises to strengthen or keep the quality of the eyes in check. It was only then that I realised that over a period of more than 30 years I was a follower of one of his exercises.
Here is the story of Dr William H Bates who was the father of the Bates eye exercises. He was a New York ophthalmologist and specialist in childrens’ eye problems. In 1900, at the end of a very tiresome day he was aware how much his own eyes ached. It reminded him of how often his patients complained of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged reading or writing. In his darkened office, he rested his elbows on his desk and cupped his palms over his eyes. After ten minutes his eyes stopped aching and he felt mentally refreshed.
With his eyes back in focus, he found that objects in his room seemed much clearer and brighter. This lead to his invention of eyesight training, which is described in a book he wrote back in 1919 – ‘Better eyesight Without Glasses’.
His revolutionary eye-sight exercises took the world by storm and he gained many followers who tested these theories of him and swore by it.
Later on it became the ‘Seven Bates eye exercises’ and here it is:
Remembering
Place the palm of your hands over your eyes and try without straining to recall an object or experience in great detail and bright colours. According to Dr Bates at least one patient found his eyesight was improved by visualising a beautiful yellow buttercup. The principle he applied with this exercise was that remembering things in the mind’s eye helps people to see them more clearly in reality.
Shifting the eyes
Over many years of practice, he observed that people wearing glasses have the notion to stare fixedly at an object. This exercise is in the form of advice – never stare fixedly at an object. Instead, move your gaze constantly from one point of interest to another. As your eyes become more relaxed, so the movement becomes smaller, helping your sight to become clearer.
Blinking the eyes
Get into the habit of blinking your eyes regularly, once or twice every ten seconds, to clean and lubricate the eyes; especially if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
Palming the eyes
Sit comfortably and relaxed at a table. Close your eyes and rest your elbows on a cushion on the table – your back and neck should be kept straight and your head level. Then cover your eyes-without touching them with your palms. Think of something pleasant, such as a favourite holiday spot, or listen to a radio talk show or story. Do this exercise for about ten minutes, at the very least twice each day or whenever your eyes feel tired. (This may seem as the same exercise as the first one but there is a difference.)
Near and far focusing of the eyes
Hold two pencils in front of your face - one about 75 mm away, the other at arm’s length. Focus on one with both eyes, then blink and focus on the other. Repeat several times whenever an opportunity arises. (This is the exercise a good doctor gave me 30 years ago and it helped me!)
Splashing the eyes
First thing every morning, splash your closed eyes 20 times with warm water and then 20 times with cold water to stimulate circulation. Reverse the process last thing at night.
Swinging your body
Stand with your feet apart and sway gently from side to side, letting your eyes swing along with your body’s movement. Be aware of the visual movement as this relaxes your eyes and helps them to become more flexible. Repeat whenever an opportunity arises.
Since I stumbled upon this article on Dr Bates I started with the other 6 exercises too and I must admit my eyes feel better and healthier. It is especially the ‘splashing’ exercise that is very good. But, please take note; the purpose of the eye exercises was never to replace regular eye check-ups as these exercises were never intended to cure eye diseases or ailments. I still go for an eye test and check-up every two years. Expert medical check-ups and advice are still a necessity.
(1) Natural Medicine: Reader’s Digest: 1992
