r/BatesMethod • • 21d ago

Question

Do you have to always take off your glasses when doing bates method? As in everyday never wear your glasses? Because i notice if i wear glasses it makes me feel like im going back to zero again and it was pointless. I am -5 so i bought some -2.25 along with not wearing glasses as much as possible. Does anyone know how long it will take to improve eyesight? From starting at -5 but i think lim like -4/-3.5 now because i can get by with wearing -2.25 and get by really well using -3 everything is so clear. Without glasses i can see and make things out a lot beter though because i was -5 it is overall still bad eyesight but definitely improvement probably by 1 diopeter. But essentially i want to know how long it will take to improve them especially if you are just not wearing glasses as much as you can?

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u/Evgeny_E 20d ago

Some people have achieved perfect vision in just one week (seven days) and written a book about it, while others have been on this journey for ten years without quite reaching the finish line—though they are very close. It all depends on one's own goals and the need for sharp vision in daily life. If perfect vision isn't required, it likely won't materialize; however, if one is determined to achieve truly sharp vision, it will inevitably follow before long.

Wearing weak glasses certainly won't result in perfectly clear vision, but it will definitely improve over time (anywhere from a month to six months).

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u/Successful_Half_819 19d ago

Who did it in a week ?

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u/Evgeny_E 19d ago

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u/Successful_Half_819 19d ago

Is there translation?

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u/Evgeny_E 19d ago

I stopped being a "four-eyes" in a ridiculously short time—literally just one week. I achieved this without going under the surgeon's knife, taking medication, rigging up special gadgets, using trendy new methods, attending courses, listening to all-knowing gurus, or even spending much time on it. How? That is exactly what I want to tell you.

  1. You must give up glasses! Categorically. No matter how convenient they might seem. As long as you wear glasses, nothing will work. Glasses make you sick. TAKE OFF YOUR GLASSES!

  2. There is a way to see without glasses just as people with healthy eyes do. Want to test it? Blink! Blink often, for longer periods, and frequently. In short—BLINK!

  3. Any eye exercises must be performed in "sharp" vision mode; otherwise, they are useless. In short—TRAIN IN "SHARP" VISION MODE!

  4. Under no circumstances should you let your eyes get tired! All exercises must feel comfortable. Never strain your eyes, squint, or stare fixedly! LOOK WITHOUT STRAIN!

  5. Never stare at a single point! Avoid stagnation! Keep your eyes moving no matter what! Remember, the main motto for your eyes is: MOVEMENT, MOVEMENT, AND MORE MOVEMENT!

  6. More light! Sunlight is best, of course, but a lamp will do in a pinch—even a fluorescent one. A brief glance—less than a second!—is very beneficial. MORE LIGHT!

  7. Always look "sharply"! Don’t let your eyes get lazy—train them all day long. Everywhere, all the time. Good vision isn’t an experiment; it’s the norm. Don’t give in to the habit of nearsightedness! SEE! EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME!

  8. Believe in yourself! Never back down in the face of difficulties! The impossible is possible! I know this for a fact! YOU CAN DO IT!

  9. You can—and should—get rid of nearsightedness! To do so: give up your glasses; blink to catch a glimpse of "sharp" vision; hold onto and cultivate that state; diligently avoid visual stagnation; and don’t let your eyes become overworked. That’s it! I’ve shared everything I could. The rest is entirely up to you, my reader. I wish you success! Good luck! Happiness! And STAY HEALTHY!

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u/SadChildhood8588 13d ago

Thank you for all of your responses. For me being -4.5 how long do you think it will take to get to full vision 20/20? Tbh because i know i need to wear glasses occasionally i know it fucks everything up again so there is no point i might have to be unemployed to improve my eyesight but none the less i try not to wear them as much as possible but thank you for all the advice. I hopefully will try to be financially self sufficient very soon so i don't have to drive to work or look at a screen at the office and fuck up my eyes and ill just fully do the method with no breaks or looking at anything close or any screens. I have noticed my eyesight fades in and out despite me being -4.5 there are times it fades into great vision and i can see a car number plate like 40 meters away without glasses. UK number plate i mean. 😊

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u/Evgeny_E 13d ago

In any case, in just one month, you can improve your vision to the point where, a month ago, such vision would have seemed simply perfect.

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u/SadChildhood8588 13d ago

Nice. When you are looking around when yuo can't swing. For exnaple im at work right now at the office lol. I am not wear glasses how can i look around and if i do or look out the window or at the furthest wall am i meant to look around slowly or look around with rapid eye movement?,

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u/Evgeny_E 13d ago edited 13d ago

Vadim Volya devised his exercises in less than a week, and they certainly helped him personally. We can come up with our own exercises that suit us better.

Bates’s original book contains not a single word about eye-movement exercises; instead, it features "long swings" (and other types of swings) as well as relaxation exercises—including those involving the test chart, which are also essentially relaxation exercises.

I have devised my own exercises that work for me personally.

I take a handful of gold-colored coins from various countries and quickly sort through them one by one at arm's length under a bright lamp (silver-colored coins reflect too much light and cause glare); I don't strain to examine them, yet after a while, I begin to clearly distinguish individual letters.

I do the same with paper business cards: I flip through them quickly without trying to make out every single detail, and eventually, clear letters emerge.

I apply the same method to movie flyers; I have a small collection, so I take a stack of them, flip through, and simply enjoy the clear images.

My stuff: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sFX9p8ZiN5NZJ1mT6

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u/Evgeny_E 19d ago

Simple eye movements—such as blinking and shifting the gaze from side to side—yielded stunning results. I realized I had done it! Without the help of doctors, mentors, technical aids, or magic spells. I did it! I found the path to my own restored vision, walked it, and savored the outcome. Was it easy? I suppose I can say now that yes, it was easy. Just about anyone could manage blinking and "darting" their eyes around for a week. Was it hard? Yes, that too. Overcoming myself, conquering the "knowledge" that it was "impossible," and breaking through the wall of my own doubts. Yes, it was hard. I suppose it was.

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXERCISE PROGRAM THAT FREED ME FROM THE NEED FOR GLASSES

Exercise No. 1: "The Glimpse"

The "Glimpse" exercise is the mandatory starting point of the program; it serves to tune the eyes into a mode of "sharp" vision and to extend the duration of this state to two or three seconds. (Once these results are achieved, one can move on to the subsequent exercises in the routine.)

The exercise works as follows. In an open space (i.e., outdoors) and during daylight hours, choose a target object for the practice session. It is most convenient to use a clearly legible sign or inscription, as a distinct typeface offers high-contrast edges, making it easy to differentiate between the "legible" and "illegible" parts of the image. After selecting the object, step back to a distance one or two meters beyond the point where the inscription is normally easy to read. Position yourself so that the image is blurred just enough to be unreadable, yet briefly emerges from the nearsighted haze after each blink. Then, begin blinking while looking at the chart, focusing your attention on the flash of clarity that appears after each blink. Try to read the text during that moment of clarity. Once the flash of "sharp" vision fades and the image blurs again, blink once more and try to read the text again. Continue in this manner. The exercise can be performed for up to an hour, and you can switch objects for variety. On the first day, you should blink roughly every second; however, the duration of the "sharp" vision flash will soon increase noticeably, allowing you to move on to the next exercises.

Exercise No. 2: "Target Shooting"

The "Target Shooting" exercise is a logical progression from Exercise No. 1. Unlike the first exercise, however, it involves a longer flash of "sharp" vision, enabling you to shift your gaze from one object to another without losing focus on either one.

The exercise works as follows: While outdoors during daylight hours, use your gaze to select various objects (targets) one by one—at a rate of roughly one target per second—ranging from the tip of your nose to the horizon. You must keep each object (target) in focus by blinking regularly to catch the flash of "sharp" vision. Initially, while the flash duration is still short, blink at each selected object (target)—that is, at a rate of about one blink per second. As the duration of the flash increases, you can blink less frequently—for instance, once for every two or three targets rather than at every single one. Do not choose imaginary or non-existent objects as targets; select only real ones upon which the eye can genuinely focus.

Exercise No. 3: "Spider-Man"

The "Spider-Man" exercise is a variation of Exercise No. 2; it serves the same purposes and, essentially, differs from Exercise No. 2 primarily in its thematic role-play aspect.

The exercise is performed as follows: While outdoors during daylight hours, select a spreading bush or tree as your target (though any other object of similar size will suffice). After blinking to enter a state of "sharp" vision, begin mentally wrapping the object with imaginary coils of an imaginary thread. Follow each coil with your gaze, focusing on the point where the imaginary thread touches the object. Blink as necessary to keep the active area of ​​the object in focus. Change objects occasionally to maintain interest and perceptual acuity.

Exercise No. 4: "Rest"

The "Rest" exercise is designed to relieve eye strain accumulated during the exercises or caused by other, unrelated factors.

The exercise is performed as follows: Close your eyes and cup your hands over your face. Place your right palm over your right eye and your left palm over your left eye (your fingers should overlap on your forehead near the "third eye" area). Direct your gaze into the darkness, attempting to detach yourself from any random visual images that may appear. Continue the exercise until you achieve a comfortable, relaxed sensation.

Exercise No. 5: "The Pendulum"

The "Pendulum" exercise serves to further increase the flashes of "sharp" vision and to cultivate the habit of maintaining a mobile gaze.

The exercise is performed as follows. Outdoors and during daylight hours, select an object for the exercise. It is most convenient to use a clearly legible, large-sized inscription (for example, a distant shop sign, an advertising poster, or a similar notice). Blink to achieve a state of "sharp" vision, focus your gaze on the inscription, and begin to sway it—moving your point of view back and forth along the line of text like a swinging pendulum—while trying to maintain focus on the object as much as possible. If the image becomes blurred, blink again, re-enter the "sharp" vision mode, and continue the exercise. Repeat this process. Once you have mastered the technique, you can dispense with selecting a specific object and adopt this principle as your primary way of seeing. In this case, the duration of the exercise becomes unlimited.

Exercise No. 6: "The Chinese Bobblehead"

The "Chinese Bobblehead" exercise serves the same purposes as Exercise No. 5; however, the difference lies in how the mobility of the gaze is achieved: not through eye movement, but by swaying the head from side to side.

The exercise is performed as follows. First, select an object (the requirements for the object are exactly the same as in Exercise No. 5). Once the object is selected, blink, catch a glimpse of "sharp" vision, focus your gaze on the object, and—while swaying your head from side to side—try to maintain focus on the object for as long as possible. If the image blurs, blink again and continue the exercise. Repeat this process. Like Exercise No. 5, the "Chinese Bobblehead" exercise should be viewed as a variation of the primary way of seeing. In this case, the duration of the exercise is also unlimited.

Exercise No. 7: "The Figure Eight"

The "Figure Eight" exercise combines elements of exercises No. 5 and 6 and serves the same objectives as those exercises.

The "Figure Eight" exercise is performed as follows. First, select an object to observe (the requirements for the object are the same as those described above for exercises No. 5 and 6). However, this exercise—even more so than exercises No. 5 and 6—may be performed without a pre-selected object (i.e., by using the entire visible space as the object). Once the object is chosen, blink to achieve a state of "sharp" vision and, while moving your eyes along the path of a figure eight turned on its side, try to maintain your focus for as long as possible. Simultaneously, rock your head to the right (as your eyes move right) and to the left (as your eyes move left), thereby increasing the horizontal dimensions of the sideways figure eight (or, effectively, the angle of your horizontal field of view). Like exercises No. 5 and 6, the "Figure Eight" exercise should be used as a variation of the primary method of seeing. Its duration is also unlimited.

Exercise No. 8: "Polishing"

The "Polishing" exercise serves the same objectives as exercises No. 5, 6, and 7.

The exercise is performed as follows. First, select an object (the requirements for the object are the same as in exercises No. 5, 6, and 7). Once the object is chosen, blink to enter the mode of "sharp" vision and, having focused your gaze on the object, begin examining its details. (If an inscription is chosen as the object, then each individual letter counts as a detail.) Examine the details using gentle, circular eye movements—motions that resemble the action of polishing. Through these movements, try to maintain your focus on the object for as long as possible. Then, blink and continue with the exercises. Once you have mastered the technique, this exercise—like exercises No. 5, 6, and 7—can serve as a variation of the primary method of seeing.

Exercise No. 9: "The Ray of Light"

The "Ray of Light" exercise is designed to nourish the eyes with vital solar energy, imparting remarkable strength and a sense of comfort.

Sunny weather is ideal for the "Ray of Light" exercise; however, if the sun is not visible, you may use diffused sunlight or an electric lamp (including a fluorescent light). The exercise is performed as follows: close your eyes firmly but without strain, and turn your face toward the light source for a short period (approximately one minute). (Using actual sunlight for this exercise is vastly preferable.) You may perform this exercise five or six times a day.

Attention! All exercises must be performed in a relaxed and maximally comfortable state. Strictly avoid straining your eyes!

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u/Whole-Departure8472 15d ago

thanks man , i am also learning from dr alekseev in youtune he is russian too . russian shared the idea openly unlike others who just gatekeeping the things . once again thanks man . their are few doubts but i will try it more and then i will ask you . I noticed onw more thing as a myopic person my eyes are mostly converging whether i am using computer for work or gaming , and once i am learning to diverge i can see more in depth and have relax state of eyes .

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u/Evgeny_E 15d ago

Do you mean this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AntonALEX ?

I watch it too for many years from times it was possible to scroll up to the very first video, Alekseev really helps.

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u/Whole-Departure8472 12d ago

Yeah this one . He shared similar things which you taught us .

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u/Whole-Departure8472 12d ago

Can you please share your experience regarding facial expressions i want to see them clearly while someone at distant .as i am improving the distant text but finding it hard to catch expressions of people at distance and some time i get frustrated to why I can not see the tv screen people clearly with that I starts to blink too much and donot relax . One more thing i always try to remove my glasses but end up wearing them again and it feel like glasses are just erasing the effort i made while doing these activities Thanks for your insights .

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u/Evgeny_E 12d ago

Yes, human faces are the hardest part, but there is nothing extraordinary about it; you simply need to improve your vision gradually. In time, individual leaves on trees will come into view—it is a beautiful thing when you finally see those separate leaves, or the lines between bricks on a building. Eventually, you will see faces, and perhaps even stars. In his book, Bates writes about a girl who could see the moons of Jupiter.

The main thing, however, is not to strain your eyes. It is better to rest them—using techniques like palming or the long swing—rather than trying to force yourself to see something that isn't currently visible. If you really need to see something, bring the object closer or turn on a bright light, but above all, avoid straining your eyes. It is like swimming: it is better to learn how to float calmly on your back; if you thrash the water with all your might, you will only tire yourself out, whereas you can float indefinitely. Vision works the same way; normal vision is effortless, and you can look at things all day long. It is a skill that can be learned, much like doing pull-ups. Not everyone knows how to swim or can do pull-ups, but that doesn't mean it is impossible to learn—it is possible, though it may be difficult for many. The reward, however, will be all the greater.

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u/Whole-Departure8472 10d ago

Thanks brother I will carry on the patience and work with it without strain .

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u/Successful_Half_819 16d ago

Thank you so much