The Problem with Corrective Lenses

· ‘Lenses that are commonly referred to as ‘computer’ lenses are usually corrective lenses. There are some exceptions. For instance, Nannini's ‘Compact 2’ model of computer glasses can be purchased with 0 diopters of magnifying power.

· Computer lenses are only intended to correct your vision in the intermediate zone (i.e. the distance between your eyes and the computer monitor; about 26 inches) and should not be worn all the time.

Introduction

“When our vision becomes blurry, we normally go to the local eye doctor in order to see what can be done. If the problem is a refractive error (a wrong focusing of the eye, including

· Myopia,

· Astigmatism,

· Hyperopia, and

· Presbyopia),

we'll be fitted for glasses (or contact lenses; they work on thes same principle) which do compensatory focusing and we're told to wear them all of the time in order to prevent our sight from getting worse.”

iblindness.org: Introduction: The Problem with Glasses

Natural Resistance to Corrective Lenses

“When we complain that things, while clear, look funny through the glasses, or our eyes feel funny, we are told, ‘Don't worry, you'll get used to it.’ The natural resistance to corrective lenses is so common that it has had to become standard routine for the patient to be told to spend a couple of weeks (not minutes, but weeks!) getting used to them. Some people never entirely get used to them, even after repeated measurements and fittings.”

iblindness.org: Introduction: The Problem with Glasses

Misconceptions of Refractive Error

· “Refractive errors are not the fixed conditions they are made out to be.

· They are often transitory conditions.

· Nobody with perfect sight has perfect sight all of the time, and

· Even the most chronic case of poor sight from refractive error is not fixed at a particular level of refractive error all of the time.”

iblindness.org: Introduction: The Problem with Glasses

Effects of Glasses

“Glasses compensate for the error in such a way as to consider it a completely fixed condition that never occasionally gives way to relief.

· When they are worn, the particular level of refractive error must be continually produced in order for us to see clearly through them.

· Changes in vision [such as accommodation] which may have been commonplace before wearing glasses will likely decrease in frequency.

· Any relief of strain is no longer a relief, because then the focusing with the glasses is wrong and blur is produced.

· Relaxation is thereby discouraged, and the idea that seeing requires an effort (which produces the correct amount of strain) will be encouraged.

· With glasses worn, a clear image only exists with strain.”

iblindness.org: Introduction: The Problem with Glasses

· Vision: Bates Method: Mobility

“It was found that low and moderate myopes [people with myopia] appraise the world as repugnant, reject it, and gain some distance from it through creating a conceptual buffer and by keeping to themselves. They are easily rattled, nervous, and lacking in self-confidence.

High myopes, however, tested more like emmetropes [people who have no refractive error], indicating a successful defense of sorts. In short, low and moderate myopes show the problems that myopes have, while high myopes show (apparent) solutions to those problems.

This helps show that myopia is a psychological problem and also points to what Dr. Bates wrote about degrees of strain:

‘...the sensations of the eye and mind supply very little information as to the strain to which both are being subjected, those who strain most often suffering the least discomfort.’”

iblindness.org: Where's the Evidence?

Shortcomings of Glasses

· “Glasses are no substitute for normal seeing because they can't correct any of the other problems associated with imperfect sight.

· They don't address the strain that's present, and since strain affects vision in a larger way than just taking the eyes out of focus, sight with glasses can never be as good as it can be without.

· Seeing is an arduous task with glasses, instead of an effortless part of perception.”

iblindness.org: Introduction: The Problem with Glasses

Problems with Refractive Surgeries

“Refractive surgeries for myopia such as LASIK or PRK, or procedures for it such as Ortho-k, work along the same lines. In all such surgeries and procedures, the cornea is artificially altered to focus light rays on the retina. All sorts of complications can arise,…”

iblindness.org: Introduction: The Problem with Glasses

“…But the main problem is they ignore the mental strain that causes the eyes to go out of focus in the first place. The eye is treated as a mechanical part of the body that's supposed to be indifferent to the abuse inflicted upon it to change its focus. Don't forget that it's all dynamic human tissue they're dealing with, not an inanimate camera. And yet, people are surprised when complications arise or when their sight gets poor again soon after surgery.”

iblindness.org: Introduction: The Problem with Glasses

“Anyone seriously considering surgery for myopia should read Peter Mansfield's article, "Laser Surgery - The Fantasy and the Facts," and check out the Surgical Eyes website.”

iblindness.org: Introduction: The Problem with Glasses

Fitting Glasses

“…They [glasses] should never leave red marks, that means that they are too tight, and you're right the child won't want to wear them.

Most recognized optical shops (Lens Crafter's comes to mind) will fit glasses, even if you didn't buy them in their store. We have had to use their service on the weekends sometimes when Bailey has hopelessly bent them out of shape. We've never been charged to have her glasses adjusted.”

Babies, toddlers and kids with glasses: FAQ (lots of pop-ups)

Tips

· All About Vision: Solving Eyeglasses Problems (page 1)

· All About Vision: Buying Eyeglasses Online (page 1)

Back to 'The Bates System of Better Eyesight without Glasses'