Eyerobics

The only exercise I miss from the book is "eccentric circles", I believe they have a version using squares. Looks kinda like
[ []] [[] ] and you have to make them look like one square or 3 squares by focusing in, then focusing away. (using a window helps).

I believe the internet lacks resources for vision therapy...

One more tip: Take your most nearsighted eye, and with your finger, pull the skin on the outer side back. It will make your vision blurrier, but focus it right and you'll get 20/20 vision or better temporarily. Took me some time... the theory behind it is that I have a muscle there that got used to focusing in, so I focused it out. There's also the factor of making the eye round again because muscle strain made it oval-shaped. Either way, it deals with your muscles... (also, think about what squinting does... relate it to the above).

Unfortunately you do have to work for better vision. Remember to rest your eyes every now and then. But, doctor$ do exi$t and if you'd like to give them your ca$h you can always believe their "expert" review$, which I'm sure are more ba$ed on your benefit than their profit. Be careful. And do what works for you.

This book is an excellent start, and much cheaper than eye therapy. I do believe it will correct your vision a noticeable amount within a year if you keep at it... might fix it totally within 2.


a physical approach   November 2, 2001
Dave K (CA, USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The author presents vision improvement in a way that likens relaxed use of the eyes to other forms of fitness that keep the body, or various aspects of it, working smoothly and efficiently. The material isn't strictly the Bates Method, but it's basically in line with it, with some things added that some Bates teachers may not agree with. The book goes over why glasses are not the solution, then it gets into specific exercises that are to help refractive errors.


Your eyes are important; it pays to keep them in shape!   February 14, 2000
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

Despite all the emphasis today on healthy lifestyles and physical fitness, I can't recall seeing any other recent book that has advocated applying those same principles to a person's eyes. As Ms. Roy points out in "Eyerobics", the eyes contain muscles that need a good workout, too, in order to stay strong and limber. Many years ago, as a teenager, I struggled with the fact that I was nearsighted and had no choice but to wear the heavy "nerdy-looking" glasses that were available back in the 50's. I was intrigued when I found a paperback book that described a variety of exercises that one could perform in order to improve vision. The book seemed to be based on sound principles, but unfortunately, it treated eye exercises as if they were the "calisthentics" that were so popular in those days: something boring and uncomfortable that was "good for you". The book sat on a shelf for years, filled with good ideas that never became a reality. I eventually learned of the newly-available contact lens, and was able to take advantage of this wonderful development to shed my glasses for a while. However, at some point the discomfort of contact with smoke and dust overcame my vanity, and I decided that a pair of lightweight, wire-rim glasses was really not so bad. Now, as I approach the big "50", I have found that I have a new challenge, one that we all face eventually: the tendency to have difficulty with close work when wearing my regular glasses. I have tried using the latest version of "bi-focals", and I find a lot of disadvantages. I believe that with a little work, I can improve my close vision so that the single-vision lenses will be sufficient. I may decide at some point to undergo laser vision correction for cosmetic reasons, but I know that the close-vision issue will remain unless I develop healthy, flexible eye muscles. I have found "Eyerobics" to be a source of inspiration and a kind of "owner's manual for the eyes". The exercises are designed to fit into today's busy schedules, and seem to be more like an interesting little games than like "calisthentics". Marilyn Roy has brought some important eye-care issues to the attention of the general public in a readable, down-to-earth book. Perhaps it should be made into a "Dummies" book, because it deserves to be just as popular.


Unfortunate   November 6, 1999
8 out of 18 found this review helpful

It is unfortunate that people with refractive errors will buy this book, which was written by an accountant, not any sort of health care practitioner. As an eye doctor, I see many types of ocular problems, and, yes, some of these can benefit from exercises. Roy's book misreads Bates's work, is ignorant of ocular anatomy and promises results that just cannot be delivered. Again, ther are some eye conditions that benefit from exercises, but many (most?) do not. See an accredited optometrist or ophthalmologist for help. Behavioral optometrists are especially aware of eye exercises regimens for improving vision. Most people are only to willing to part with their money for miracle cures, be they surgeries or exercises. Please take responsibility for your own health - find out the facts yourself. The author of the above book published and toured to support her book for one reason - cash. Don't let it be yours.


A Good Start For Eyesight inprovement   October 26, 1999
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This book, while not a "cure," certainly helps one to improve and take control of one's own eyesight. I disagree with the Ohio reviewer in that this book is a good way in which to control ones vision. I know two individuals who have lowered their persecriptions since using this book. Also, I was confused by why this "accountant" wished to examine the author. I found the book quite interesting and helpful.