Questions on Thoughts Relating to Clear Sight

[Sunrise]

Some things I've wondered about:

On Black:

I want to know more about black. How black IS black? I don't mean as black as printer's ink, or black velvet, or the blackest black you ever saw. I mean where is it? I remember when I was about four being amazed at how BLACK it looked when you closed your eyes even when the room was brilliant with sunshine. I didn't note where or why or how it was, just that it was, but now I wonder, did I see the light of the sun besides? It seemed so deeply peaceful, restful, like something wonderful, but I guess it just left without my notice of its departure. When I close my eyes now, I don't see black. If it's bright I see brightness, if it's dark I see dimness. Not black. Mostly I see a grayish shade, which is definitely not total black. When I palm (something I have never enjoyed) I can't imagine much more than a tiny pinprick of total black, and that comes and goes. However somewhere - I can't find it at the moment, I thought Dr. Bates said that those with perfect sight see black at all times. WHERE? How can one see black when one's eyes are open? I can't. Especially if it's supposed to be in your mind, not the world around you. And it can't be that it only comes when you aren't looking for it because I don't see it whether I look for it or not. Besides, when I was four, I didn't look for it, or not. It just was, although I don't remember if it was there when my eyes were open. I want to see this black again! Will it come in time? Does it only come with 20/20 vision? I wish it would come by degrees at least!

On the same subject, and regarding black and pain, is it really possible for someone to see a dark enough black that has the ability to ease pain? How could the boy in the example he gave have gotten through surgery without losing black once? - and were his eyes open or closed? (I mean, would it be more likely if one's eyes were open or closed, because there's probably no way of knowing if that boy's were). I have a certain reason that I am interested in this possibility, but if I even have a headache, thinking of the color black in any shade I can see (on an object for instance) or imagine, does not lessen the intensity of the pain, so how could he possibly go through a whole operation and have no pain?

On Palming and Visualization (or visualization of any sort):

How does someone who can't, make things move? Or should I say, have things move. I don't mean by force. When I try to imagine a scene, I quickly give up. See the birds flying? They are still as if painted to the sky. The breeze does not move the leaves, nor do the leaves float to the ground, and the boat is apparently stuck in mud. If I put myself in the scene and try to walk it is an exercise in frustration. Nothing passes like I was walking in actual life. I might as well be trying to step into a painting of a scene, thinking I can really get in it. Sometimes, if I've been in a car I can get the feeling of movement while driving, but I never did have much luck with the telephone pole visualization where you were supposed to imagine you were riding in a car or train and count the poles as they went by. Even when I was ten or eleven they just didn't MOVE! Or more precisely, the car or train didn't. It doesn't help that I really can't clearly visualize even a still object. I can start - say with an apple, but then I can't remember the details of an apple despite having seen, I'm sure, at least a hundred thousand apples in my life. Only a very few things I can remember clearly - say a toy I remember from years ago, or one or two particular flowers, but even them, I can't hold for long - and I don't mean to stare at, I mean to look from place to place on without losing the image in my mind.

On Reading:

What EXACTLY is the correct way to read? I've seen lots of articles on this. You have the picture that says you are supposed to shift from word to word all over your reading material. I guess that comes in time - long time for me - but if I shift my poor eyes here, there and back again, I have no idea what I'm reading. I think I'm doing something wrong - and then again, I start to rush. Some say you're supposed to read along the bottom of the letters, others say in a straight line right through the middle all the while seeing, if you can, the white behind. Yes, I can see the white glow, but it hasn't improved my sight. I was quite impressed by the lady who painted her way around all the letters with imaginary white paint and saw perfectly since, but when I tried that, I didn't (obviously) have such good results. I've looked at a page of writing for a long long time many times from an unseeing distance and looked at only the white or back and forth, but only rarely did I ever get a clear view of what I was supposed to be seeing, and it never stayed clear from that distance from then on. I've also heard of taking a black piece of paper and cutting a slit in it the size of your line of print and going down the lines one by one, letter by letter, making sure you read only one letter at a time. I'm not sure if I'd be soon be understanding anything that way either, and I didn't try that, but if that's the proper way, I can try. Meanwhile others say you aren't supposed to focus on only one letter at a time, you're supposed to look at more than one. So for any confused readers who, like me, read a lot, what is the proper way, in the most detail you can give, to read that will improve sight and keep it that way?

On The Inability To See Beyond A Few Inches:

It is the one thing that quickly stops me from taking off my glasses for long periods of time. I can read a book okay with my nose on it, but a newspaper is more annoying. I can draw small objects without trouble, but then I want to see more of the whole page. If I am filing something, it greatly slows down progress when I have no clue what I'm filing at a glance. The same for the computer. The screen is about 14 inches away and can't be brought closer and while I can put my nose on it to read, I can't type anything or make much use of the mouse that way. And it isn't a laptop so I can't move it back and forth - or move it back a little at a time like some people have suggested. However I've heard that it only worsens your eyes to hang your head (and back) over the book, desk, or table. The paper from my behavioral vision specialist specifically said not to do this. So how can I improve quickly to see to about 14 or 16 inches away? Then I'm sure I could go without glasses much of the time. Also without glasses on, I notice it takes a LOT longer to do anything. If it takes an hour to type out something that should have taken twenty minutes, that is not very helpful. I am wearing my glasses to type this out, and it's already taking me a long time, but at least everything is spelled correctly, and I can read what I'm typing. Not that I wouldn't prefer to do it without them.

On Close Versus Far Improvement as Well as On Words and Numbers:

Why does it seem (at least with myopia, and for me) like it's easier to see something (such as words) in the distance in a sudden clear flash, than it is to see something close up suddenly very well? I always look for the words around. Is it not good to look for words and numbers? After all, if I think I suddenly see more clearly and then I look at a letter or number, I usually feel otherwise, but if I see a word or a number suddenly more clearly, then everything seems more clear. But no matter how clearly I think I see, including on my own eye chart, the eye doctor's (that's the opthamologist) eye chart always convinces him otherwise - and I usually can barely read even the largest letters when I am there - and that is WITH my glasses on (and most definitely without - not that they ever let me try without) - even if on the way there I saw a lot of distant words quite well, or at least readably without them. However the COPD seemed to think I was focusing too much on these words (the ability to see the clock for instance) and maybe I do zero in on words and numbers too quickly. Still, I look for other things too.

I guess that is enough for now. Thank you for any insight and all your help.

[ClarkNight]

(11-09-2014 07:29 PM)Sunrise Wrote:  Some things I've wondered about:

On Black:

I want to know more about black. How black IS black? I don't mean as black as printer's ink, or black velvet, or the blackest black you ever saw. I mean where is it? I remember when I was about four being amazed at how BLACK it looked when you closed your eyes even when the room was brilliant with sunshine. I didn't note where or why or how it was, just that it was, but now I wonder, did I see the light of the sun besides? It seemed so deeply peaceful, restful, like something wonderful, but I guess it just left without my notice of its departure. When I close my eyes now, I don't see black. If it's bright I see brightness, if it's dark I see dimness. Not black. Mostly I see a grayish shade, which is definitely not total black. When I palm (something I have never enjoyed) I can't imagine much more than a tiny pinprick of total black, and that comes and goes. However somewhere - I can't find it at the moment, I thought Dr. Bates said that those with perfect sight see black at all times. WHERE? How can one see black when one's eyes are open? I can't. Especially if it's supposed to be in your mind, not the world around you. And it can't be that it only comes when you aren't looking for it because I don't see it whether I look for it or not. Besides, when I was four, I didn't look for it, or not. It just was, although I don't remember if it was there when my eyes were open. I want to see this black again! Will it come in time? Does it only come with 20/20 vision? I wish it would come by degrees at least!

On the same subject, and regarding black and pain, is it really possible for someone to see a dark enough black that has the ability to ease pain? How could the boy in the example he gave have gotten through surgery without losing black once? - and were his eyes open or closed? (I mean, would it be more likely if one's eyes were open or closed, because there's probably no way of knowing if that boy's were). I have a certain reason that I am interested in this possibility, but if I even have a headache, thinking of the color black in any shade I can see (on an object for instance) or imagine, does not lessen the intensity of the pain, so how could he possibly go through a whole operation and have no pain?

On Palming and Visualization (or visualization of any sort):

How does someone who can't, make things move? Or should I say, have things move. I don't mean by force. When I try to imagine a scene, I quickly give up. See the birds flying? They are still as if painted to the sky. The breeze does not move the leaves, nor do the leaves float to the ground, and the boat is apparently stuck in mud. If I put myself in the scene and try to walk it is an exercise in frustration. Nothing passes like I was walking in actual life. I might as well be trying to step into a painting of a scene, thinking I can really get in it. Sometimes, if I've been in a car I can get the feeling of movement while driving, but I never did have much luck with the telephone pole visualization where you were supposed to imagine you were riding in a car or train and count the poles as they went by. Even when I was ten or eleven they just didn't MOVE! Or more precisely, the car or train didn't. It doesn't help that I really can't clearly visualize even a still object. I can start - say with an apple, but then I can't remember the details of an apple despite having seen, I'm sure, at least a hundred thousand apples in my life. Only a very few things I can remember clearly - say a toy I remember from years ago, or one or two particular flowers, but even them, I can't hold for long - and I don't mean to stare at, I mean to look from place to place on without losing the image in my mind.

On Reading:

What EXACTLY is the correct way to read? I've seen lots of articles on this. You have the picture that says you are supposed to shift from word to word all over your reading material. I guess that comes in time - long time for me - but if I shift my poor eyes here, there and back again, I have no idea what I'm reading. I think I'm doing something wrong - and then again, I start to rush. Some say you're supposed to read along the bottom of the letters, others say in a straight line right through the middle all the while seeing, if you can, the white behind. Yes, I can see the white glow, but it hasn't improved my sight. I was quite impressed by the lady who painted her way around all the letters with imaginary white paint and saw perfectly since, but when I tried that, I didn't (obviously) have such good results. I've looked at a page of writing for a long long time many times from an unseeing distance and looked at only the white or back and forth, but only rarely did I ever get a clear view of what I was supposed to be seeing, and it never stayed clear from that distance from then on. I've also heard of taking a black piece of paper and cutting a slit in it the size of your line of print and going down the lines one by one, letter by letter, making sure you read only one letter at a time. I'm not sure if I'd be soon be understanding anything that way either, and I didn't try that, but if that's the proper way, I can try. Meanwhile others say you aren't supposed to focus on only one letter at a time, you're supposed to look at more than one. So for any confused readers who, like me, read a lot, what is the proper way, in the most detail you can give, to read that will improve sight and keep it that way?

On The Inability To See Beyond A Few Inches:

It is the one thing that quickly stops me from taking off my glasses for long periods of time. I can read a book okay with my nose on it, but a newspaper is more annoying. I can draw small objects without trouble, but then I want to see more of the whole page. If I am filing something, it greatly slows down progress when I have no clue what I'm filing at a glance. The same for the computer. The screen is about 14 inches away and can't be brought closer and while I can put my nose on it to read, I can't type anything or make much use of the mouse that way. And it isn't a laptop so I can't move it back and forth - or move it back a little at a time like some people have suggested. However I've heard that it only worsens your eyes to hang your head (and back) over the book, desk, or table. The paper from my behavioral vision specialist specifically said not to do this. So how can I improve quickly to see to about 14 or 16 inches away? Then I'm sure I could go without glasses much of the time. Also without glasses on, I notice it takes a LOT longer to do anything. If it takes an hour to type out something that should have taken twenty minutes, that is not very helpful. I am wearing my glasses to type this out, and it's already taking me a long time, but at least everything is spelled correctly, and I can read what I'm typing. Not that I wouldn't prefer to do it without them.

On Close Versus Far Improvement as Well as On Words and Numbers:

Why does it seem (at least with myopia, and for me) like it's easier to see something (such as words) in the distance in a sudden clear flash, than it is to see something close up suddenly very well? I always look for the words around. Is it not good to look for words and numbers? After all, if I think I suddenly see more clearly and then I look at a letter or number, I usually feel otherwise, but if I see a word or a number suddenly more clearly, then everything seems more clear. But no matter how clearly I think I see, including on my own eye chart, the eye doctor's (that's the opthamologist) eye chart always convinces him otherwise - and I usually can barely read even the largest letters when I am there - and that is WITH my glasses on (and most definitely without - not that they ever let me try without) - even if on the way there I saw a lot of distant words quite well, or at least readably without them. However the COPD seemed to think I was focusing too much on these words (the ability to see the clock for instance) and maybe I do zero in on words and numbers too quickly. Still, I look for other things too.

I guess that is enough for now. Thank you for any insight and all your help.

Hi Sunrise. I am reading your post and will create a audio-video response and upload here soon.

[ClarkNight]

(11-10-2014 08:46 AM)ClarkNight Wrote:  [quote='Sunrise' pid='420' dateline='1415572194']

Hi Sunrise. I filled in my answers within your post, in Italic. Interesting questions, thanks for posting!
Answers to more questions will be in a video response or you may opt for Google Hangouts, Skype.

Some things I've wondered about:

On Black:

I want to know more about black. How black IS black? I don't mean as black as printer's ink, or black velvet, or the blackest black you ever saw. I mean where is it?

Answer; So you know what its supposed to look like; dark black. No light shade grey... When you close your eyes and block out all light by palming or in a dark room; you should see perfect black. When the eyes are open; There is no black; only objects you look at that are black, black cat... A memory of black is ok.

I remember when I was about four being amazed at how BLACK it looked when you closed your eyes even when the room was brilliant with sunshine. I didn't note where or why or how it was, just that it was, but now I wonder, did I see the light of the sun besides?

Answer; I have never heard of seeing black when the sun is shining on the closed eyes. Unless they are covered, blocking out the sunlight. I have always be taught that the way to see black is when all light is blocked out by palming or in dark room, eyes closed.


It seemed so deeply peaceful, restful, like something wonderful, but I guess it just left without my notice of its departure.

Answer; In past relaxed. Then later strain set in. What happened during that time in your life?


When I close my eyes now, I don't see black. If it's bright I see brightness, if it's dark I see dimness. Not black. Mostly I see a grayish shade, which is definitely not total black.

Answer; Bates says when the mind is strained, eye muscles tense; you can see all types of colors, moving... Palming helps to relax the eyes, muscles. Glasses prevent this. When relaxation is perfect, black is perfect. No colors.


When I palm (something I have never enjoyed) I can't imagine much more than a tiny pinprick of total black, and that comes and goes.

Answer; Sometimes trying to see black creates an effort; this prevents relaxation and black. Bates says to avoid this; just imagine, think pleasant thoughts. Any objects, imagination. A happy scene. See the leaves on tress blowing, follow a bumble bee as he flys around stopping on flowers, apple blossoms. This will bring the relaxation, then the black. Don't try to take in the whole scene at once. Observe one place, object, action at a time. Bring in other senses; feel the wind, warm sun. Smell the flower.


However somewhere - I can't find it at the moment, I thought Dr. Bates said that those with perfect sight see black at all times. WHERE? How can one see black when one's eyes are open?

Answer; He means with eyes closed, shutting out all light; you can see black. Also with eyes closed, not have to be covered, ok if light gets in and when open; you can IMAGINE it perfectly. Imagine a perfect black object. Try on a small black dot and shift on it left and right. When you move the attention upon a object, even when eyes are closed; it remains clear, and if its a black object; it is perfect black.


I can't. Especially if it's supposed to be in your mind, not the world around you.

Answer; Need more relaxation; try other objects, happy thoughts, images eyes open, closed. They try a black object.


And it can't be that it only comes when you aren't looking for it because I don't see it whether I look for it or not. Besides, when I was four, I didn't look for it, or not.

Answer; Age four; perfect relaxation, happiness in childhood. I bet no glasses right?


It just was, although I don't remember if it was there when my eyes were open.

Answer; Open; only in the imagination, memory. If you wanted to think of it. But the 'vision' never goes black.


I want to see this black again! Will it come in time? Does it only come with 20/20 vision? I wish it would come by degrees at least!

Answer; As relaxation becomes more perfect; the black will be more perfect. The vision can be better than 20/20 and Dr. Bates says its normal for it to fluctuate. Don't test black by level of clarity; test it by level of relaxation, happiness.

On the same subject, and regarding black and pain, is it really possible for someone to see a dark enough black that has the ability to ease pain?

Answer; I have only experienced it somewhat. I got through the previous dentist appointment by imaging a small black period and looking left, right, left, right and seeing it swing. Also had a couple beers. Have to due to broken neck, off balance when they tip that chair back. The black period kept me from getting nervous, anxiety, thinking of what could happen. There was no pain to avoid, only the fear.


How could the boy in the example he gave have gotten through surgery without losing black once? - and were his eyes open or closed?

Answer; Most kids have a perfect mind. No stress. They can imagine for hours. Ever see a parent call the child's name 3.. times and finally have to go over and touch the shoulder... to snap the child out of fantasy land. We need to return to that place, ability.

I remember going to Dr. Peas with my cousin Mike when we were about 8 yrs old. Mike fell out of a tree and a old baby buggy axil went through his upper lip. I felt all brave walking up Kimball street, though town and into the docs office with him. Then when the doctor put a butterfly bandage on the wound; I thought it was stitches. Most kids fear needles... I felt so lightheaded like was going to faint. I had to leave the room. Always bothered me that I could not stay in the room with my cousin to support him; felt like a coward. Wish I know Bates techniques back then.


(I mean, would it be more likely if one's eyes were open or closed, because there's probably no way of knowing if that boy's were).

Answer; Could have been open or closed. If open imagining. If closed; imagining and seeing. But if light in docs room and eyes not covered? That is a question. ???

I have a certain reason that I am interested in this possibility, but if I even have a headache, thinking of the color black in any shade I can see (on an object for instance) or imagine, does not lessen the intensity of the pain, so how could he possibly go through a whole operation and have no pain?

Answer; Bates says it is real. I had some experience with it but if migraine or injury; I have to figure what's causing it and heal it. I am not perfect, always want to rush for results. Tibetan monks and other spiritual people have ability to block all pain with the mind. Some can restore the body's health. See; http://www.monroeinstitute.org/ Stay with Robert Monroe and Skip Atwater's books. They are also on Amazon. Be aware this opens a door to spiritual world. See this guy; http://www.amazon.com/John-E.-Sarno/e/B0...pop_book_1


Dion Fortune and others. Alice A Bailey.

On Palming and Visualization (or visualization of any sort):

How does someone who can't, make things move? Or should I say, have things move. I don't mean by force. When I try to imagine a scene, I quickly give up. See the birds flying? They are still as if painted to the sky.

Answer; Tension in mind. Do you shift on the objects in your mind? See the opposite moment of the object; object appears to move in the opposite direction the eyes shift to. Then ability to imagine a bird flying... will come to you.


The breeze does not move the leaves, nor do the leaves float to the ground, and the boat is apparently stuck in mud.

Answer; Still wear glasses? If yes; try to stop. Glasses impair the mind and eyes function and movement. Can you watch a old clock move; http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info/id16.html Can you close the eyes and remember it, see it in the mind? Can you do it with eyes open?


If I put myself in the scene and try to walk it is an exercise in frustration. Nothing passes like I was walking in actual life. I might as well be trying to step into a painting of a scene, thinking I can really get in it.

Answer; Imagine something you like and try to let it occur automatically. Shift on a tree, a apple, then look far beyond it, then back. Feel the eyes move and adjust when shifting and looking close, far, close, middle with eyes closed. Can you remember a dream you liked? Can you think of something you would like to buy, build in your yard.. a house? How would you set it up, build it? Can you see yourself doing it? What do you plan to eat tonight? The brain has to create pictures to decide and perform the activity of picking up the correct food, utensils. The brain makes a picture of what we are 'going to do'.


Sometimes, if I've been in a car I can get the feeling of movement while driving, but I never did have much luck with the telephone pole visualization where you were supposed to imagine you were riding in a car or train and count the poles as they went by.

Answer; Don't count the poles, don't lock the vision onto them. Just let them pass by. That's opposite movement, the swing. Note farther objects pass by slower. The long swing shows opposite movement; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxRQ2Y-7...-4v0fz7qcQ

Even when I was ten or eleven they just didn't MOVE!

Answer; Wearing glasses then? Something cause stress? Or; you were locking onto the moving objects; trying to stop the movement. Locking the vision on them blocks the appearance of the opposite movement.


Or more precisely, the car or train didn't. It doesn't help that I really can't clearly visualize even a still object. I can start - say with an apple, but then I can't remember the details of an apple despite having seen, I'm sure, at least a hundred thousand apples in my life.

Answer; Make it easy; get a real apple, look at it; shift on it. Close the eyes; repeat in imagination. You can start with one part of the apple. Shift on the part. Move the apple in the hand and let the vision move over it. Repeat in imagination; and move it in the hand also when eyes are closed. Draw a number or any object on the palm of the hand. Visualize it.


Only a very few things I can remember clearly - say a toy I remember from years ago, or one or two particular flowers, but even them, I can't hold for long - and I don't mean to stare at, I mean to look from place to place on without losing the image in my mind.

Answer; Toy, flowers; favs! Makes you happy.
Look at, remember one part at a time. This is shifting. Let the previous part go. You only need to see one small part clear at a time. central-fixation. The brain has it all stored. As relaxation occurs the mind, eyes move easy, eyes faster and the whole object is seen, remembered, imagined in the mind and with eyes; clear. Shifting with central-fixation. Same for moving from object to object; see the tree, then move to the flower, a leaf... Then to a rock, a cloud. Get interested in what your looking at. That way you don't make yourself shift; the eyes move automatically with the attention of the mind, where your interest, entertainment, curiosity goes. Blink.

On Reading:

What EXACTLY is the correct way to read? I've seen lots of articles on this. You have the picture that says you are supposed to shift from word to word all over your reading material.

Answer; Look at the white spaces between the sentences to relax the eyes, mind; no effort to see something blank=no strain. Move along the spaces. Move along the white line under, close to the sentence. When the print flashes clear; look at it, read it. Let the eyes move about the sentence freely. (Not all over the page) Look at the white around it, close to it anytime to relax the eyes, then go back to the print. When I read; I look at the print. Some disagree with this. But I find that the white areas are picked up by the outer area of the fovea, the bright white also activating the retina. The eyes do jump to that white glow area around words, letters sometimes but then quickly back to the print. It occurs with lightning speed so you don't lose mental focus of what you are reading. Look at what you want to see; central fixation. But you can take breaks and look at the white spaces, line. Then back to the print. Do the fine print thing; this brings clear eyesight.


I guess that comes in time - long time for me - but if I shift my poor eyes here, there and back again, I have no idea what I'm reading.

Answer; Once the eyes are relaxed by looking a the spaces; then read the print. Don't try to read the print while moving along the white space. I know some people say to do this but I find that is against central vision. Later in Dr. Bates magazines he clarified; look at the white, then when relaxation is obtained; shift to the print to read. This is central-fixation.


I think I'm doing something wrong - and then again, I start to rush. Some say you're supposed to read along the bottom of the letters, others say in a straight line right through the middle all the while seeing, if you can, the white behind.

Answer; Too many diff ways. Not good.
Thomas Quackenbush says you can read through the center. This does work; it keeps central fixation with tiny shifts. I do it on the tv channel guide sometimes. For me; its mainly just to practice, to help bring the clarity back. I don't need it anymore when reading unless sometimes tuning up my fine and micro print.


Yes, I can see the white glow, but it hasn't improved my sight. I was quite impressed by the lady who painted her way around all the letters with imaginary white paint and saw perfectly since, but when I tried that, I didn't (obviously) have such good results.

Answer; Need to shift on the white, blink. And don't try to see anything. Just relax.

I've looked at a page of writing for a long long time many times from an unseeing distance and looked at only the white or back and forth, but only rarely did I ever get a clear view of what I was supposed to be seeing, and it never stayed clear from that distance from then on.

Answer; Did you take some time to look at, shift on the blurry print?

I've also heard of taking a black piece of paper and cutting a slit in it the size of your line of print and going down the lines one by one, letter by letter, making sure you read only one letter at a time.

Answer; Might be Huxley or Parsons idea. Can help; keeps you from trying to see too much at same time. Prevents diffusion. Don't let it slow you up in a way that it becomes tight.


Have you tired making one hole per eye pinhole glasses? Another student did that and is now glasses free, pinhole free, sees computer fine now to work at his job. Ask me for how to construct. tear off the edges of the paper to avoid paper cuts.


I'm not sure if I'd be soon be understanding anything that way either, and I didn't try that, but if that's the proper way, I can try.

[i]Answer; Not totally natural but helps bring you there. [/i]

Meanwhile others say you aren't supposed to focus on only one letter at a time, you're supposed to look at more than one.

Answer; Just let the eyes move along the words. The brain picks it up quickly, skipping along as it understands each word. The eye shifts every fraction of second. That's automatic and includes all the hundreds... of microscopic... shifts. Just shift on some blurry print. Go fine print. When that comes in clear; you wont have to think about any of this. The eyes will just do the right, true natural function.


So for any confused readers who, like me, read a lot, what is the proper way, in the most detail you can give, to read that will improve sight and keep it that way?

Answered above


On The Inability To See Beyond A Few Inches:

It is the one thing that quickly stops me from taking off my glasses for long periods of time.

Answer; Ahhh, glasses! That's the main problem. Have you reduced enough? Wear only for driving, for safety... All other times must be avoided.
Don't do the reading, other practices with glasses on. Shifting, central fixation (centralizing) are used all the time even when glasses are on.
Exercises like the switching, long swing, astigmatism swings... are only effective with no glasses. Glasses also impair perfect shifts...

I can read a book okay with my nose on it, but a newspaper is more annoying.

Answer; We can talk on Google Hangouts for more details. Or give more info. here in a new reply. Send me a pm so I know you posted because our email notice of new posts does not work.

I can draw small objects without trouble, but then I want to see more of the whole page. If I am filing something, it greatly slows down progress when I have no clue what I'm filing at a glance.

Answer; Your diffusing; trying to see the whole page, all objects at the exact same moment. Look at one thing at a time. Shift thing to thing.


The same for the computer. The screen is about 14 inches away and can't be brought closer and while I can put my nose on it to read, I can't type anything or make much use of the mouse that way. And it isn't a laptop so I can't move it back and forth - or move it back a little at a time like some people have suggested.

Answer; Close computer not healthy for the eyes. We have to talk on Google about the distance thing. I have to help you find the exact distance, distances that need most improvement. Switching close, middle, far really helps and finding specific distances for you to move back, forth on.

However I've heard that it only worsens your eyes to hang your head (and back) over the book, desk, or table.

Answer; Neck tension. Constant one way pull gravity on eyes. Astronauts experience clear eyesight from reverse and less gravity.

The paper from my behavioral vision specialist specifically said not to do this. So how can I improve quickly to see to about 14 or 16 inches away? Then I'm sure I could go without glasses much of the time.

Stand Answer; Fine print. Switching and this card; http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info/id35.html

Also without glasses on, I notice it takes a LOT longer to do anything. If it takes an hour to type out something that should have taken twenty minutes, that is not very helpful. I am wearing my glasses to type this out, and it's already taking me a long time, but at least everything is spelled correctly, and I can read what I'm typing. Not that I wouldn't prefer to do it without them.

Answer; Is the print clear though the glasses? If yes; they are too strong and holding back improvement.

On Close Versus Far Improvement as Well as On Words and Numbers:

Why does it seem (at least with myopia, and for me) like it's easier to see something (such as words) in the distance in a sudden clear flash, than it is to see something close up suddenly very well?

Answer; Must be tension in eye muscles, slow focus, re-adjustment to the close distance. Imperfect convergence can do it; many people have just a tiny hair of imperfection in their far divergence and/or close convergence; it can be noticed more up close. Switching helps. Central fixation, tiny relaxed shifts on tiny parts. Fine print!
Optometrist Harold M. Peppard (associate of Dr. Bates, Emily Lierman) says convergence is the main thing to improve as we age, usually over 40 yrs; we get stiff, some of us, not all. Perfecting convergence at all close distances cures unclear close vision. It also gets the lens moving, perfect accommodation and health, hydration.

Do the far practice too for complete balance. Homemade apple cider vinegar gets the joints in the body, neck and muscles moving. Drink and put on skin.


I always look for the words around.

Answer; Look at one thing at a time. To see the words around a word clear; leave the present word and move to the next. See ONE AT A TIME. 'Central fixation with shifting.' The eyes will move fast, re-adjust to each new word quickly as relaxation improves.

There is a normal temporary blur as the eyes refocus to each new object, distance. This is not seen when the vision is clear, the mind, eyes are relaxed. This will also improve clarity of the peripheral field.


Is it not good to look for words and numbers? After all, if I think I suddenly see more clearly and then I look at a letter or number, I usually feel otherwise, but if I see a word or a number suddenly more clearly, then everything seems more clear.

Answer; Need more clarification. Look at what you want; one letter or number at time. Is it in the central field or off to the side? Your central is in front of you. The outer area, peripheral is also clear but the central 'where you are directly looking' is the most clear. Each object you move to (this can occur fast as the eyes shift part to part, object to object) is seen one at a time in the central field, most clear. It may be in the central only a fraction of a second; but in that time its the most clear. Google me for example with big C chart.


But no matter how clearly I think I see, including on my own eye chart, the eye doctor's (that's the opthamologist) eye chart always convinces him otherwise - and I usually can barely read even the largest letters when I am there - and that is WITH my glasses on (and most definitely without - not that they ever let me try without) - even if on the way there I saw a lot of distant words quite well, or at least readably without them. However the COPD seemed to think I was focusing too much on these words (the ability to see the clock for instance) and maybe I do zero in on words and numbers too quickly. Still, I look for other things too.

Answer; Many things in the eye doctors exam CAUSE less clear vision. Those machines and lighting are not natural. Movement is limited. Posture imperfect. Stress trying to hurry. At least your eye doctor told some truth; effort to see, it slows, tightens up the eyes shift; blur occurs. Your true test is at home in good natural light, no glasses, when relaxed.

I guess that is enough for now. Thank you for any insight and all your help.

Answer; You are welcome.


Mary

[Sunrise]

Hi Sunrise. I filled in my answers within your post, in Italic. Interesting questions, thanks for posting!
Answers to more questions will be in a video response or you may opt for Google Hangouts, Skype.

Thanks very much - I'll take out my questions and just answer yours (in green) or it'll be a mile long. No Skype, no Google Hangouts. I can't. But I appreciate it. Maybe sometime.

On Black:

Answer; So you know what its supposed to look like; dark black. No light shade grey... When you close your eyes and block out all light by palming or in a dark room; you should see perfect black. When the eyes are open; There is no black; only objects you look at that are black, black cat... A memory of black is ok.

No..I don't see perfect black. OK, no black when eyes open.

Answer; I have never heard of seeing black when the sun is shining on the closed eyes. Unless they are covered, blocking out the sunlight. I have always be taught that the way to see black is when all light is blocked out by palming or in dark room, eyes closed.

Hmmmm. Well, it's many years since I was four, perhaps my memory is incorrect on that. But I don't remember having my eyes covered, only closed. Maybe they were under the blanket and I forgot. However it was definitely very very black!

Answer; In past relaxed. Then later strain set in. What happened during that time in your life?

I started school I guess.

Answer; Bates says when the mind is strained, eye muscles tense; you can see all types of colors, moving... Palming helps to relax the eyes, muscles. Glasses prevent this. When relaxation is perfect, black is perfect. No colors.

Oh yes! I've seen the colors. Sometimes if I close my eyes I see all sorts of colors swirling and moving and bursting in all shapes and patterns. Other times it's just the grayish black, which is a bit more soothing, but it isn't THAT black.

Answer; Sometimes trying to see black creates an effort; this prevents relaxation and black. Bates says to avoid this; just imagine, think pleasant thoughts. Any objects, imagination. A happy scene. See the leaves on tress blowing, follow a bumble bee as he flys around stopping on flowers, apple blossoms. This will bring the relaxation, then the black. Don't try to take in the whole scene at once. Observe one place, object, action at a time. Bring in other senses; feel the wind, warm sun. Smell the flower.

Yes, I know, but sometimes I still look to see if I can see it, even a bit of it, like a pinhead. I do try to imagine, too. As I've said, my imagining isn't good, but I'll keep trying.

Answer; He means with eyes closed, shutting out all light; you can see black. Also with eyes closed, not have to be covered, ok if light gets in and when open; you can IMAGINE it perfectly. Imagine a perfect black object. Try on a small black dot and shift on it left and right. When you move the attention upon a object, even when eyes are closed; it remains clear, and if its a black object; it is perfect black.

Hmm. OK. Will try it more.

Answer; Need more relaxation; try other objects, happy thoughts, images eyes open, closed. They try a black object.

....And that, too.

Answer; Age four; perfect relaxation, happiness in childhood. I bet no glasses right?

No, no glasses at four. It wasn't until I was five, after school started. I don't remember thinking much about black since then.

Answer; Open; only in the imagination, memory. If you wanted to think of it. But the 'vision' never goes black.

Well, then maybe I only saw it in my mind and I didn't notice that I was only thinking. No I didn't think the vision would go black, I just thought you were somehow supposed to see black at the same time as everything else.

Answer; As relaxation becomes more perfect; the black will be more perfect. The vision can be better than 20/20 and Dr. Bates says its normal for it to fluctuate. Don't test black by level of clarity; test it by level of relaxation, happiness.

OK...

Answer; I have only experienced it somewhat. I got through the previous dentist appointment by imaging a small black period and looking left, right, left, right and seeing it swing. Also had a couple beers. Have to due to broken neck, off balance when they tip that chair back. The black period kept me from getting nervous, anxiety, thinking of what could happen. There was no pain to avoid, only the fear.

Well, I there is often fear to avoid, too. I'll try to think of the period and see if I can see it - and actually make it go back and forth like that. No beer, though.....

Answer; Most kids have a perfect mind. No stress. They can imagine for hours. Ever see a parent call the child's name 3.. times and finally have to go over and touch the shoulder... to snap the child out of fantasy land. We need to return to that place, ability.

That's true, and it would be nice to be able to do that.

I remember going to Dr. Peas with my cousin Mike when we were about 8 yrs old. Mike fell out of a tree and a old baby buggy axil went through his upper lip. I felt all brave walking up Kimball street, though town and into the docs office with him. Then when the doctor put a butterfly bandage on the wound; I thought it was stitches. Most kids fear needles... I felt so lightheaded like was going to faint. I had to leave the room. Always bothered me that I could not stay in the room with my cousin to support him; felt like a coward. Wish I know Bates techniques back then.

Ugh, poor little fellow. I'm sure he understood, I hope. At least, later. After all, you went all the way there with him, and the doctor was there to help!

Answer; Could have been open or closed. If open imagining. If closed; imagining and seeing. But if light in docs room and eyes not covered? That is a question. ???

That's what I wondered, but maybe it was just imagining.

Answer; Bates says it is real. I had some experience with it but if migraine or injury; I have to figure what's causing it and heal it. I am not perfect, always want to rush for results. Tibetan monks and other spiritual people have ability to block all pain with the mind. Some can restore the body's health. See; http://www.monroeinstitute.org/ Stay with Robert Monroe and Skip Atwater's books. They are also on Amazon. Be aware this opens a door to spiritual world. See this guy; http://www.amazon.com/John-E.-Sarno/e/B0...pop_book_1
Dion Fortune and others. Alice A Bailey.

That would be nice, to be able to block all pain with the mind. I read some on Robert Monroe's books. I think he is the one that talks about leaving one's body? I think I don't want to try that. I read quite a bit on this sort of thing - controlling your mind and other things, but I'm not sure I want to open that door. At least, I don't want to meet any strange spirits. Some of the things I read sounded frightening. I've also read things about opening your "third eye". "Open your third eye and you'll have perfect sight!" But then I read more....maybe some things I don't want to "see" even if I will have perfect vision to do it.

On Palming and Visualization (or visualization of any sort):

Answer; Tension in mind. Do you shift on the objects in your mind? See the opposite moment of the object; object appears to move in the opposite direction the eyes shift to. Then ability to imagine a bird flying... will come to you.

No, not really, It seemed enough trouble to try to see them, trying to shift on them will surely cause them to vanish from my mind. Ah, but wait. I just tried imagining an appleblossom. Very pretty, and I could even look from petal to petal and back to the center. Hmmmm. And see the white of it softly suffused with pink. I didn't notice it moving in opposite directions though.

Answer; Still wear glasses? If yes; try to stop. Glasses impair the mind and eyes function and movement. Can you watch a old clock move; http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info/id16.html Can you close the eyes and remember it, see it in the mind? Can you do it with eyes open?

Yes, I do. And even now, trying to keep them off, I still keep grabbing for them. Grrrrr, what kind of time does that silly old clock keep!? How come it keeps stopping ticking? It is annoyingly distracting. I can see the pendulum swing. When it wants to. I can move my eyes back and forth with it, but, no, I don't notice the clock moving one bit. Nor do I see the "o" farther up the page moving any more than it ever did, when we talked about this on email. BUT, when I closed my eyes just now, I COULD see it ticking. Lets see....and I guess I can sort of with my eyes open, too. So I guess it's not a hopeless case.

Answer; Imagine something you like and try to let it occur automatically. Shift on a tree, a apple, then look far beyond it, then back. Feel the eyes move and adjust when shifting and looking close, far, close, middle with eyes closed. Can you remember a dream you liked? Can you think of something you would like to buy, build in your yard.. a house? How would you set it up, build it? Can you see yourself doing it? What do you plan to eat tonight? The brain has to create pictures to decide and perform the activity of picking up the correct food, utensils. The brain makes a picture of what we are 'going to do'.

I don't find this easy. It's almost an exercise in frustration. I don't remember a dream. Maybe I'll try to imagine the house, that sounds appealing. Thinking......Well, I still get stuck on movement even trying to do it, and plan it. I'll try getting dinner......well, that was a little easier. OK, then, I'll try to make sure I spend a few minutes every day imagining something I'd like to do and do it in my mind, then maybe it'll get slowly easier.

Answer; Don't count the poles, don't lock the vision onto them. Just let them pass by. That's opposite movement, the swing. Note farther objects pass by slower. The long swing shows opposite movement; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxRQ2Y-7...-4v0fz7qcQ

I always liked the long swing, and counting the poles always did seem counterproductive.


Answer; Wearing glasses then? Something cause stress? Or; you were locking onto the moving objects; trying to stop the movement. Locking the vision on them blocks the appearance of the opposite movement.

I never ever wore glasses then. Probably did stop the movement by trying to count them.

Answer; Make it easy; get a real apple, look at it; shift on it. Close the eyes; repeat in imagination. You can start with one part of the apple. Shift on the part. Move the apple in the hand and let the vision move over it. Repeat in imagination; and move it in the hand also when eyes are closed. Draw a number or any object on the palm of the hand. Visualize it.

Will try.

Answer; Toy, flowers; favs! Makes you happy.
Look at, remember one part at a time. This is shifting. Let the previous part go. You only need to see one small part clear at a time. central-fixation. The brain has it all stored. As relaxation occurs the mind, eyes move easy, eyes faster and the whole object is seen, remembered, imagined in the mind and with eyes; clear. Shifting with central-fixation. Same for moving from object to object; see the tree, then move to the flower, a leaf... Then to a rock, a cloud. Get interested in what your looking at. That way you don't make yourself shift; the eyes move automatically with the attention of the mind, where your interest, entertainment, curiosity goes. Blink.

I keep trying this, but I'll practice more.

On Reading:

Answer; Look at the white spaces between the sentences to relax the eyes, mind; no effort to see something blank=no strain. Move along the spaces. Move along the white line under, close to the sentence. When the print flashes clear; look at it, read it. Let the eyes move about the sentence freely. (Not all over the page) Look at the white around it, close to it anytime to relax the eyes, then go back to the print. When I read; I look at the print. Some disagree with this. But I find that the white areas are picked up by the outer area of the fovea, the bright white also activating the retina. The eyes do jump to that white glow area around words, letters sometimes but then quickly back to the print. It occurs with lightning speed so you don't lose mental focus of what you are reading. Look at what you want to see; central fixation. But you can take breaks and look at the white spaces, line. Then back to the print. Do the fine print thing; this brings clear eyesight.

Answer; Once the eyes are relaxed by looking a the spaces; then read the print. Don't try to read the print while moving along the white space. I know some people say to do this but I find that is against central vision. Later in Dr. Bates magazines he clarified; look at the white, then when relaxation is obtained; shift to the print to read. This is central-fixation.

Answer; Too many diff ways. Not good.
Thomas Quackenbush says you can read through the center. This does work; it keeps central fixation with tiny shifts. I do it on the tv channel guide sometimes. For me; its mainly just to practice, to help bring the clarity back. I don't need it anymore when reading unless sometimes tuning up my fine and micro print.

OK, I've been trying and trying to do that, while wondering which way is right and which won't work, but having a better idea about the proper way now, I'll use that method.

Answer; Need to shift on the white, blink. And don't try to see anything. Just relax.

It is probably better to try this when it's not something I want/have to finish reading at the moment, because then I'm definitely not relaxed....no matter what though, I always end out tightening up my head and neck. I do that with everything. And if I stop tightening that, I realize I'm tightening something else - jaw, back, ears, whatever. I just need to find a way to relax EVERYTHING I guess.

Answer; Did you take some time to look at, shift on the blurry print?

Yes! That's what I always do, but I don't see it much. Well sometimes it does come in more clearly, but I always turn out to be holding the printing a lot closer than I was when I started. If I held it back a foot to start, suddenly it is only about 6 inches away....and I suddenly see it. But I don't notice I'm doing this until it is there. Usually I only see it clearly about 5 inches away, so it is some improvement when it works. Maybe I should start with it about an inch beyond what I can see instead of trying to see from the minimum distance I WANT to be able to see it from?

Answer; Might be Huxley or Parsons idea. Can help; keeps you from trying to see too much at same time. Prevents diffusion. Don't let it slow you up in a way that it becomes tight.

I'll try it if the other doesn't work.

Have you tired making one hole per eye pinhole glasses? Another student did that and is now glasses free, pinhole free, sees computer fine now to work at his job. Ask me for how to construct. tear off the edges of the paper to avoid paper cuts.

No! That would work? How? I had some regular pinhole glasses, which are now broken, but they were so dark and I really can't see THAT much farther with them. One pinhole sounds better. How do I make them? Are they all out of paper?

Answer; Not totally natural but helps bring you there.

It didn't quite seem it.

Answer; Just let the eyes move along the words. The brain picks it up quickly, skipping along as it understands each word. The eye shifts every fraction of second. That's automatic and includes all the hundreds... of microscopic... shifts. Just shift on some blurry print. Go fine print. When that comes in clear; you wont have to think about any of this. The eyes will just do the right, true natural function.

Hmm. OK. Sounds hopeful...

Maybe I'm not doing fine print right....how fine is fine print? I just find a box or something with very small print. Sometimes I see a bit, sometimes I don't.

Answered above


On The Inability To See Beyond A Few Inches:

Answer; Ahhh, glasses! That's the main problem. Have you reduced enough? Wear only for driving, for safety... All other times must be avoided.
Don't do the reading, other practices with glasses on. Shifting, central fixation (centralizing) are used all the time even when glasses are on.
Exercises like the switching, long swing, astigmatism swings... are only effective with no glasses. Glasses also impair perfect shifts...

Yes, glasses. Sorry. They are not strong (for my eyes). Yes, for safety. But there are lots of times I feel safer with them. Even though I'd prefer to be without them. I don't wear them for any exercises though. That would defeat the purpose. I just try to keep looking. It's very easy to stop looking.


Answer; We can talk on Google Hangouts for more details. Or give more info. here in a new reply. Send me a pm so I know you posted because our email notice of new posts does not work.

More information? Well, a book has its pages, but a newspaper is a lot bigger so it is harder to hold that close - obviously it hangs this way or that, and if I'm just skimming over the page, I can't.

Answer; Your diffusing; trying to see the whole page, all objects at the exact same moment. Look at one thing at a time. Shift thing to thing.

Not really all at the same time. Well, I guess in a way, and sometimes. It's just that I can't see what I'm drawing from way up there! As for filing, shifting is fine as far as it goes, but when I still really can't see the words I'm shifting on, it takes forever, especially when the files are wanted in ten minutes, not two hours from now.

Answer; Close computer not healthy for the eyes. We have to talk on Google about the distance thing. I have to help you find the exact distance, distances that need most improvement. Switching close, middle, far really helps and finding specific distances for you to move back, forth on.

I know it isn't. Distances beyond 5 inches, and up to about, I guess, 30 yards? I'm not sure how far that is. I'm thinking, for instance, of the distance to a house across a street and maybe a little farther. Although between 5 inches and 5 feet would actually be MOST helpful. It seems like the far distance is okay - I can't see much there, but I guess I figure it'll come in in time, but closer is where I have a hard time. Sometimes the words I do see are the more distant ones - grocery signs or whatever. I still switch back and forth between where I can see, somewhere in the middle and the far distance. Would that be right, or should I maybe switch between 3 or 4 closer spots?

Answer; Neck tension. Constant one way pull gravity on eyes. Astronauts experience clear eyesight from reverse and less gravity.

I don't want to be an astronaut, but that part sounds nice.

Stand Answer; Fine print. Switching and this card; http://cleareyesight-batesmethod.info/id35.html

Thanks. I'll try that card, when I finish this.

Answer; Is the print clear though the glasses? If yes; they are too strong and holding back improvement.

Well of course. Not crystal clear, but clear enough that I can see what I'm doing. Sometimes I do lean too close with the glasses on though, and then it is quite clear. Of course, no, I know I shouldn't lean that close.

On Close Versus Far Improvement as Well as On Words and Numbers:

Answer; Must be tension in eye muscles, slow focus, re-adjustment to the close distance. Imperfect convergence can do it; many people have just a tiny hair of imperfection in their far divergence and/or close convergence; it can be noticed more up close. Switching helps. Central fixation, tiny relaxed shifts on tiny parts. Fine print!
Optometrist Harold M. Peppard (associate of Dr. Bates, Emily Lierman) says convergence is the main thing to improve as we age, usually over 40 yrs; we get stiff, some of us, not all. Perfecting convergence at all close distances cures unclear close vision. It also gets the lens moving, perfect accommodation and health, hydration.

Do the far practice too for complete balance. Homemade apple cider vinegar gets the joints in the body, neck and muscles moving. Drink and put on skin.

Answer; Look at one thing at a time. To see the words around a word clear; leave the present word and move to the next. See ONE AT A TIME. 'Central fixation with shifting.' The eyes will move fast, re-adjust to each new word quickly as relaxation improves.

There is a normal temporary blur as the eyes refocus to each new object, distance. This is not seen when the vision is clear, the mind, eyes are relaxed. This will also improve clarity of the peripheral field.

OK...keep shifting, looking, relaxing....

Answer; Need more clarification. Look at what you want; one letter or number at time. Is it in the central field or off to the side? Your central is in front of you. The outer area, peripheral is also clear but the central 'where you are directly looking' is the most clear. Each object you move to (this can occur fast as the eyes shift part to part, object to object) is seen one at a time in the central field, most clear. It may be in the central only a fraction of a second; but in that time its the most clear. Google me for example with big C chart.

Well, what I mean is, if I'm outside and see a flash of clearness, I instantly look for, say the thermometer, to check if it's really true, sometimes it's clearer, too, sometimes not. But if I see the thermometer clearly, I don't double check with the scene. I just look around with delight - for a second or two. They never last long. Maybe I stop them unintentionally. I don't know where it is. It's just momentary clear sight.

Answer; Many things in the eye doctors exam CAUSE less clear vision. Those machines and lighting are not natural. Movement is limited. Posture imperfect. Stress trying to hurry. At least your eye doctor told some truth; effort to see, it slows, tightens up the eyes shift; blur occurs. Your true test is at home in good natural light, no glasses, when relaxed.

That's true.

Answer; You are welcome.

Thanks again.

[ClarkNight]

Hi Sunrise,

Well, the video response thing does not work on this GuestPage.
I had to reproduce and place on a unlisted YouTube channel page. After you listen to it you can download it and also opt for me to delete it, or leave it on YouTube so it stays here. Will keep it on the unlisted YouTube page because most people won’t know what it’s about.

I am so busy really can’t type. Since you do not like google or skype; If you live in the USA I can call you. I have a new phone with unlimited calls no charge to U.S. and Canada.

This audio reply is not the greatest due to seeing your new responses but couldn’t see the main question and answers we stared with, they were on a diff section. Will have to answer new questions differently by usual typing as a reply without putting under each question.

Here’s the audio with a couple yellow kitty switching pictures added from the new book so I could convert as video. Its only way this page and YouTube accepts. Hope you get some benefit from it.



Thanks Sunrise!!

Mary