My findings

After much research and study, I believe that most visual blur is a result of our modern times.   We spend extended hours doing very close work.  Contrary to the thousands of years that we were hunter-gatherers.  In earlier times, we used our visual system in a very fluid way.  We were constantly scanning our environment from near to far and far to near. 

As hunters we were looking into the distance for game (or enemies) and also surveying our immediate surroundings for the best place to walk and keeping an eye out for small predators like snakes.  As gatherers, we were looking at our immediate surroundings for food, and also on the lookout for snakes and such.  And also scanning the distance for predators both two legged and four. 

In contrast today we read books, watch TV, and spend many hours at computers.  Rarely taking a vision break to use the full scope of our visual capabilities.  Even in modern times the hunters maintain optimal visual systems because they continue to use their visual system in a fluid way.

Bates did his research in the early 1900’s and proved his method yet it has not been widely adopted.  I think Aldous Huxley summed it up beautifully in the quote from his book, The Art of Seeing,  “Parents put children in glasses as casually as they buy them a pair of shoes.”

Why is it that we commonly hold the belief that cuts can heal, broken bones can heal, and we can even recover from cancer.  Yet we do not believe we can heal our visual system.

Based on the work and studies of Janet Goodrich, there can be an emotional component especially with childhood myopia (near-sightedness).  Her book devotes a chapter to the personality profile, and for myself, it is very accurate.

I also believe there can be an emotional component to presbyopia (‘middle aged’ farsightedness).  As my vision improved, I began to see those wrinkles in the mirror.  Living in a time and culture that elevates youth rather than honoring maturity, wrinkles are often seen in a negative light.  Rather than seeing a person of wisdom, a survivor.

I invite you to join me!