Bates Method
Origins
and historical development :
The American Dr William H Bates believed that eyes saw at their best when completely relaxed and controlled sub-consciously by the brain. In the early 20th Century he devised a system of simple exercises that could be performed by anyone to effectively correct previous poor use of the eye muscles and the resultant visual impairments. The exercises aim to improve the function of ‘central fixation’ where the eyes continually adjust while focussing on an object, so as the image received falls directly onto the retina as opposed to falling in front of (short sightedness), or behind it (long sightedness). Staring, which is encouraged by artificial lights and monitors, such as televisions and computer screens, fixates the focus of the eye and therefore acts against the central fixation function causing unnatural tension in the eyes’ muscles and optic nerves.
What
to expect during a treatment :
Although a visit to a practitioner is needed for the client’s eyesight to be assessed and be taught relevant exercises, this is a useful self-help therapy where best results are from repeating the exercises set as part of a daily routine; and following common sense guidelines such as not sitting too close to the TV and taking regular breaks from working on a PC.
Examples of the exercises devised by Dr Bates include alternating focus between 2 objects, 1 close and 1 further away; splashing cold then warm water on the eyes to stimulate circulation; pressing the hands around the eyes to help them relax; and swaying from side to side while blinking yet remaining focussed on 1 point in the distance.
Conditions suitable for treatment :
The Bates Method is considered to be a suitable, if somewhat slow, alternative for corrective eye lens wear and surgery; as well as squints and astigmatism. It is also clear that the theories on which the exercises were devised help form a sensible set of guidelines that would serve us best if observed all the time so as to protect our gift of vision.
