The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses

I've heard about this book and method a few years ago, but, hesitated in buying the book or trying the method -- thinking it might be too laborious or uncomfortable. But, I was wrong.The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses, is well written and makes it very easy to understand holistic eye health, so that you understand the reasoning and scientific effectiveness of the method. I've only been doing the exercises for a couple of weeks, but have noticed a great improvement in my eyesight. I was lucky that the book that I ordered from Amazon, contained the large (I heard it was missing from some books), folded eye chart, which is VERY useful for the exercises.The book has been one of thee best investments I've made for my holistic health and healing.

I purchased this book about 12 years ago (when it only cost around $8.00) and I must admit, I felt a bit foolish. Foolish, because the book's title appeared to be downright 'quackery'. Let's face it, in this day and age, how could a doctor, who died in the 1930's have anything to add to the science of ophthalmology in the 21st century? Well, at the time, I was desperate. While most people are presented with their mid-life crisis when their hair goes gray, my 'crisis' was losing my near vision. At that time I purchased the book, I was designing and building an industrial robot from scratch. Translation: All close electronic and mechanical work.Bought the book, read it, did the 'eye relaxation sessions' and NOTHING!Fast forward a few weeks, (still doing the relaxation sessions) I was at my shop measuring a part with a dial vernier. My arms never seemed 'long enough' to see things close-up, so I usually squinted. It was a summer afternoon and I had my large overhead door open. Outside stands my amish neighbor's barn, about 200 feet away. Atop the barn is a very handsome weather vane which was lit by a mid-afternoon sun.My arms were elevated and outstretched , in my left hand was my part to be measured, in my right hand the dial vernier and in the background of both was the weather vane. I attempted to focus on the part to be measured but the distraction of the weather vane in the background made my eyes try to focus on it. Viola ! Inadvertently focusing on the weather vane made my eyes focus on the part! The part and dial vernier came into clear focus.It took a few days to simulate this counter intuitive event, but eventually I was able to duplicate it without conscious action.I'm not an MD, but in my younger days, I did build telescopes and photography was another hobby involving optics. Photography, especially, comes to mind because when focusing an image with a camera, you vary the distance of the lens to the plate rather than altering the geometry of the lens. Perhaps this is what Bates tried to get across at that time about the muscles that elongate and contract the eyeball and thereby vary the distance of the lens to the retina?Conclusion:The technique of 'eye relaxation' worked very well for me and as the old expression goes, “ ...the proof of the pudding is in the eating”. I read small print without fatigue and therefore, 5 Stars.However, it did not work for my wife or brother (as their rating would probably be 1 Star). They are welcome to write their own review.Perhaps someone with the ambition of Jobs, the intellect of Einstein and the imagination of DaVinci will someday figure out, exactly, how we focus our eyes and pick up where Bates left off. Seems like a worthwhile goal for a brilliant young mind!

Although the techniques didn't help me, it was an interesting read.

At the age of 54, suffering from myopia, astigmatism and strabismus most of my life, I'm finally seeing almost normally within 6 weeks. I'm still working at it. My left eye sees perfectly, the right eye is not far behind. Eyes are in the process of straightening. A noticeable difference in 6 days. Doctors have consistently told me there is no hope in getting relief from strabismus as an adult. The techniques explained in this book are proving the doctors wrong. There are sections of the book that are difficult to understand and require experimentation to understand what he is saying. Not everything works for every individual, so I like that he gives alternative techniques so you can choose which one works for you. I live in a place where it is difficult to consult with a vision therapist, so I have only used this book as a guide to better sight. I used to see double with my right eye (left eye closed). Left eye very blurry. I never would have considered driving without glasses. In 2 weeks I started driving without glasses and I feel confident and comfortable. I haven't worn glasses in a month now. I definitely recommend this book, if you are tired of the headaches, eye strain and irritability. I had nothing to lose and I'm enjoying the gain.

I ordered this book twice. Never came with the eye chart that is supposed to be included. You are unable to use the techniques in the book without this card. It says right on the Cover and in the description that this is included. It is a waste of money to buy the book without the eye chart.

Dr. Bates has some great insights and exercises for improving eyesight. I learned about Dr. Bates through a reference from more current book on the subject, and almost neglected to read from the source. I am so glad I ordered this, because the reference to Bates' ideas were so superficial and misunderstood in the book by another Dr. that it missed the primary points entirely. The only complaint I have is that this book states on both covers that an eye chart is included--it is not. I ordered a replacement after the first book, and it was the same--no chart.

I ordered this book from Amazon.com as New and it unfortunately shipped alone.The Bubble Mailer was the right size but was dirty and torn and the book inside took a beating in shipping... If I didn't need it right now, I would return this book for Amazon.com to to try to ship again. I am extremely disappointed. The book was supposed to be new and it looks used and all worn hard all over the cover and spine. It looks like it was ruthlessly opened in the delivery process and kicked around on the floor.Amazon, you can do much better. Why not use a cardboard box instead of this bubble envelope? I know I opted for Super Saver Free Delivery but, I didn't expect Free and Horrible Shipping.I wish I had taken a picture of the mutilated bubble mailing envelope for you to see.This has never happened to me before buying from Amazon.I hope this is not indicative of new policies.Jim Blier.

tks

On the back of the book it is mentioned that "every copy includes a detachable eye chart " and on the front it is mentioned too, but nothing is enclosed.

Many of the things in this book work if one is willing to give it a shot. Found it helpful in reducing Presbyopia. I don't use my reading glasses any more.

Muy bueno

Very informative and interesting. This is for eyes what "The China Study" is for nutrition.It has a ton of exercises to practice for improving your sight, so it's more than just reading it.It's about practicing it.