Bates Method Eye Exercises

Over 100 years ago, Dr. William H. Bates developed the Bates Method, a series of eye exercises designed to correct poor sight. Today, these techniques are still utilized by people who wish to correct their eyesight without the use of corrective glasses, contacts or surgery.

Sunning

• Although Bates intended for natural sunlight to be used in this method, it is easier to begin sunning with a table lamp that has a 60 or 100 watt bulb.

  Sit down in front of a table or desk with an anglepoise lamp in front of you. Close your eyes and slowly aim the light to point to your face. If the light is too bright or too close to your face, push the lamp backwards until you feel comfortable.

  Keeping your eyes closed, imagine a distance point in the horizon and imagine yourself gazing towards it. Gently turn your head from side to side. Every time you turn, one of your eyes should be falling into the shade. Take about three seconds to move each way.

  As your head turns, keep the distance point fixated in your mind and continue to imagine the point moving across its horizon. Slow down or speed up until you find a comfortable rhythm of achieving the sequence.

  Do not engage in sunning for more than three minutes.

Palming

• Use the palming technique immediately after you have finished the sunning method.

  Turn off the lamp you used for the sunning method. Place two cushions on top of the desk or table. Place each of your elbows on the cushions. Close your eyes and cover them with your hands. You might find it easier to slightly cross your hands so that one hand is gently resting over the other one.

  Rest for as long as you are comfortable in this position. Some people enjoy palming for long periods of time, while others only palm for a few minutes. You may want to set an alarm clock for 10 or 15 minutes to guide you the first time you try palming.

The Long Swing

• Swinging enables you to relax your eyes by consciously being aware of the movement around you.

  To experience the long swing, you must first obtain a pointer, such as knitting needle or long stick. Hold the pointer with both of your hands directly in front of you.

  Stand with your feet approximately shoulder length apart and gently sway from side to side. Lift each heel off of the floor as you move from side to side. Turn your torso so that your head and shoulders are moving in unison towards the direction of your sway. You should now be moving about 45 degrees to the right and left of center.

  Now, turn your heels further out until you can turn about 90 degrees to the left and right of center. Move your pointer up to eye level and gaze at the tip of it while you are continuously moving. You should have the feeling of the world turning, or a pendulum swinging, from side to side.

  Swing for as long as you are comfortable. Stop if you grow uncomfortable or get dizzy. Palm for a while when you are finished.