The Naked Eye Podcast #6: 5 Bad Vision Habits You Need To Break

[@roshansuryawanshi07]

Bad Habits 1. Never use Specs 2. Never Straining 3. Over working with Eyes 👀 Good Habits 1. Moving Eyes Frequently 2. Deep Breaths 3. 10 mins Breaks every hour and look far 4. Relaxation is Key to Success 5. Improve Imagination / Visualisation

[@sharoncaverlee2803]

Just learnt more info to improve my vision. Thank you.

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Hooray! I'm glad :)

[@gabyramos7722]

Love this podcast! I never suspected that staring was hurting the eyes. I have noticed a big difference with daily palming and sunning. THANK YOU!!!👏

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Thanks for listening! Yes, staring is one of the absolute worst vision habits. Glad you're now aware of the stare and learning how to break that bad habit!

[@melissaojala855]

God's eyes are ten thousand times brighter than the sun. He made me fearfully wonderful, I think my eyes are His shining glory.

[@emank8137]

this was an excellent podcast! great tips that shifted my perspective on how I use my eyes. Thanks Nathan!

[@ApplicationBot]

9:14 just blew my mind into the heaven....THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!

[@DanielLemus]

This is gold! Thanks Nathan and grettings from Costa Rica. I started to follow your chanel about 3 months ago. I have started doing some of the exercises. Also I found my previous glasses that have a lower prescription so I replace my current glasses for these and my surprise is that I can see perfectly with my previous glasses, I don't understand why my doctor increase my prescription. I am using my glasses less and less however, since I am a software engineer I spent a lot of time in front of my computer. I'll like to talk to you via Skype. Please let me know your email or how can I contact you. Thank you again!

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Daniel Lemus That's good that you are beginning to go backwards in your prescription... as you continue to do the vision practices you may soon feel like your older pair is starting to feel too strong too. A good goal for you would be to stretch your vision out to the point where you can use your computer without glasses. To reach my on Skype you can set up a consultation here: integraleyesight.youcanbook.me/ on a Tuesday or Thursday. Thanks!

[@atnstn]

beautifully said! Very helpful! Much appreciated!

[@rahaagalin6826]

Great video!! Thank you very much!

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Glad you liked it!

[@ahmadhigazy2805]

Hey Nathan, I've been watching your most recent videos and I am intrigued. I have about a -7 prescription and astigmatism. I want to apply the Bates method to my life but I am having serious trouble. To start off, I am still studying in high school and a heavy PC gamer. So pretty much a ton of my day is spent with my glasses on if I am to do these things. I am experimenting with finding areas where I do not need them such as when I am on the bus. So is following the Bates method whenever possible (such as scheduling when I palm) the right thing to do? Thanks for reading, and keep up the great work.

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Ahmad Higazy Find time during the school day to take off your glasses... like to read your material at your desk, and put your glasses back on to see the front of the room. Try experimenting by playing some of your video games without your glasses on... or use a pair of your older glasses that have weaker prescriptions. You can actually turn gaming into a vision improvement practice if you learn how to relax your eyes and don't try too hard to focus.

[@malkashayna]

My eye doctor would not prescribe anything weaker than 20/20. He said it would be unethical and he would be liable. This is despite that at this last exam, both eyes were .5 better.

[@spinnettdesigns]

I was wondering about my readers...I have 20/15 far vision but close up has gotten worse. thanks so much for this info!

[@sabasteachingcorner697]

Thanks a lot u made it very clear for us really it is v useful information

[@abdelaali1983]

Great video. Thanks. I have a very weak eyes from wearing glasses, focusing at work, reading a lot, overworking and using Ipad. I will try these techniques. And thanks again.

[@rohit_totlani]

'Twilight' app recommended, for nightlight or blue light - filtering for android devices.

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Thanks for sharing!

[@reelillusionl123]

Thanks for making this video! I have super dry eyes in addition to bad vision. Any tips for that?

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Hey Dana, one of the simplest natural remedies for dry eyes is more yawning >>>YAWNS

[@suefengtan6141]

Nathan, thanks for sharing all these great videos on improving eyesight. They are very helpful. While I was doing the internal visualization of something in the room as being clear, and then briefly looked at that object with my eyes open without my glasses, I was able to see it, but then after blinking, I couldn't see it clearly again. That moment of clarity brought hope though. I was wondering, how long did it take for your eyesight to improve to where you didn't need glasses? I know for everyone it's different, but would like to know a rough estimate.

[@chinookvalley]

My eyesight changed immediately - the secret is to be diligent, be mindful, exercise your eyes ALL day. Watch all of Nathan's videos. Breathe deep, relax and be persistent. Never give up. You WILL see a huge difference. We don't need glasses, we need fewer doctors telling us that we do.

[@ashishkumar5317]

Dear brother thanks very much

[@NathanOxenfeld]

You are very welcome, thanks for listening.

[@gajjalasureshkumarreddy3572]

lam tharun thank you for all your videos to care of my eyes

[@johnisaac7302]

I hate looking like a nerd.

[@wy3551]

Hi Nathan! Great video! Thank you for sharing and helping all of us with eye problems!I am pretty much blind without wearing my glasses or contact lenses, as my prescription is -5.50 with astigmatism -2.00. I can manage fine with my non-toric contact lenses, which I wear daily going to work and school in London, UK. My new prescription glasses is really bad and gives me severe eye strains, so I tend to not wear them. I was wondering if I could do eye exercises with my contact lenses on while commuting on the tube/bus? It seems like a good use of time to train my eyes. I am thinking of gradually lowering the prescription of disposable contact lenses e.g. In two months, I will lower to -4.50. Thank you!

[@NathanOxenfeld]

+Wendy Yang Thanks for the comment! I would suggest shifting the language you use about your eyes, they are very close to your mouth and they can hear when you speak badly about them. They're even closer to your brain, they're actually extensions of your brain, so they can even hear your negative thoughts about them! Try thinking and saying more positive things about your eyes and that will help begin the healing process. Instead of thinking you can't see anything without your lenses, take them out, look around, and notice how much you actually CAN see, even if it's just blurry shapes and colors. You are not blind. You have low vision temporarily that you can work on building. Many times overcorrected lenses create more eye strain and make your vision worse with repeated use. Likewise, using slightly under corrected lenses can be more relaxing to your eyes and allow your vision problem to begin reversing as your eyes and brain adjust to the new lower prescription. I would not recommend doing the vision practices with contact lenses in. I would actually not even recommend wearing contact lenses. If you switch over to glasses you will have much more freedom to take them off and put them on as needed throughout the day. That way you could take your glasses off and do your vision practices while commuting and then put them back on for work. Hope all that helps and feel free to keep me updated with your progress or if you have any other questions!

[@wy3551]

+Nathan Oxenfeld Thank you for your reply and your positive coaching Nathan! Just wondering what is the reason behind not practicing with contact lenses? I'm just curious... Also disposable contact lenses cost a lot less than getting new prescription glasses (high prescription glasses can be expensive :S).

[@wy3551]

+Nathan Oxenfeld Hi Nathan, I took your advice today and took a walk without my glasses and I was surprised with how much I could actually see! I've only tried out not wearing my glasses at home yesterday and found out that I functioned fine, but I never thought of leaving the house without it! So thank you so much for your encouragement! While taking a walk without my glasses today and playing games on spotting different shapes and colours, I realised how much I am not living in the moment that I have to kept bringing my attention to my eyes and away from the thoughts on the back of my head. I am certain that discovering the Bates Method and your channel is just the beginning of many brighter chapters in my life :)!

[@NathanOxenfeld]

+Wendy Yang The entire Bates Method is based on doing the practices without any corrective lenses on. You still may get a little benefit, but not the full experience. You also won't be able to have the feedback necessary to know what practices work for you and which don't. Without your lenses on you'll be able to observe your vision fluctuating, getting better and worse, depending on how you're using your eyes. With your lenses in, your vision would appear to stay the same throughout all the practices. Have you heard of Zenni Optical? They are revolutionizing the optical industry by allowing consumers to purchase custom prescription glasses (without an eye doctor's note) at very affordable prices. Many of my students have gotten weaker "training glasses" from their website for under $10. You're right though, the higher the Rx the more they cost, but you'll save a ton of money compared to going to a lens shop.

[@NathanOxenfeld]

+Wendy Yang What a great realization to have!! Most people are surprised when they realize how much they actually can see. Don't sell yourself short! You can do it :) And you are totally correct. Clear vision is really only possible in the present moment. The moment you start thinking about the past or the future or get caught up in the thoughts in your head, you leave the present moment and leave your vision behind. So the Bates Method can actually be used as a mindfulness practice too. And I think other mindfulness practices like Yoga, Meditation, Qigong, etc. can help you with your vision too. Very exciting times ahead indeed.

[@randomcreations4507]

How am I supposed to see clearly when relaxing. Is it a special thing I need to do or do I just relax myself and it will happen automatically or is there something I’m missing.

[@_witi]

Hey Nathan, I wanted to ask whether you charge for the online skype classes for eye improvement ?

[@palanik1629]

one Ophthalmologist told me that ,using weaker glasses or avoid using glasses ,will further worsen my eyes ,pls clarify ,is it possible to reduce power without glasses

[@CHRISTIANNWO]

If I lower my prescription by 1, should I also lower my astigmatism by 1? Nice video.

[@NathanOxenfeld]

+CHRISTIANNWO Yes, keep weaning off both strength and astigmatism correction. Some people just totally remove the astigmatism correction if you'd be comfortable doing that.

[@nathanellison594]

I stare a lot. I have ocd and tend to stare and think about my old. I notice my eyes are always strained now.and feel really tight

[@NathanOxenfeld]

See if you can start "thinking" and "swinging" at the same time, instead of associating "thinking" with a lack of movement in your eyes.

[@AboutTheAirplane]

Is a weaker prescription a must? I worry that if I use my prescription for driving etc that it will negate the work I do when not wearing it.

[@NathanOxenfeld]

If you maintain your good vision habits when you wear your training glasses, it won't negate the positive effects you've gotten so far. Use the glasses as tools, not crutches, and they can assist you in your journey, rather than hinder you.

[@caelanbrule]

Hey, Thx for all the videos and content but I have a problem I eyes are not necessarily stressed out much except when I look at a computer screen for long time and get a headache which causes strain but my eyes sight does not really get any blurrier after that which is good but I can relax them all I want and my vision is not any clearer I don't have 20/20 vision sadly but I still have good vision, I don't know why they aren't getting any worse or any better with all the stress that is put on to them that happens occasionally but I hate glasses and i would never want to wear them. I would just hope that my eyes would not get worse or would get better like 20/20 or better thx, any tips or help?

[@NathanOxenfeld]

+Caelan brule Relaxation is a good place to start, but you also have to incorporate vision training techniques like using eye charts to increase visual acuity to 20/20 or better. You can also make lifestyle/diet shifts that can boost the health of the eyes from within too.

[@caelanbrule]

would carrots be considered good for the eyes

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Caelan brule Absolutely. They are a good source of beta carotene, fiber, antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, vitamin B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. I like to drink organic carrot juice because that allows me to get 5-10 carrots in one sitting instead of just eating 1 or 2.

[@caelanbrule]

+Nathan Oxenfeld I have one more question, if someone does not supposedly wear glasses that would mean they don't strain there eyes... because i have some friends that play lots of video games on pc and also some that don't but they have better than 20/20. Idk just wondering why that happens thx

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Caelan brule That's a great question. I think everyone handles stress and strain uniquely... for some people suppressed emotions and tensions and manifest as vision problems and in other people can manifest as other imbalances in the body and mind. There are just so many factors including age, genetics, environment, diet, lifestyle, personality type and many more that keep the answer to your question somewhat of a mystery.

[@dylanquinn7]

How does this information factor in to dry eye caused by Lasik which leads to blurry and fluctuating vision?

[@NathanOxenfeld]

I have worked with several students who got LASIK, lost the results, and then regained better vision naturally using the Bates Method. It's not too late to start taking better care of your eyes, even post-surgery!

[@rocki0997]

hi Nathan, I've just started doing the bates method and I was wondering if its alright to take off my glasses if I can read a computer screen because I am a heavy gamer and I still can sometimes see different words or phrases on the screen without my glasses. I just wanted to ask because I don't want something to happen to my eyes if I view the screen without my glasses. Thank you!

[@NathanOxenfeld]

+RogMonSki As long as you can stay relaxed and avoid any type of eyestrain (squinting, staring, trying too hard to see) then being without your glasses is fine. The moment you start straining then it is a bad idea to be without your glasses. You may find that the more you game without glasses, the more you'll start to be able to see. You can also maybe try to use weaker glasses to use while gaming. That way you're getting a little help but your eyes still have a chance to work.

[@rocki0997]

Nathan Oxenfeld ok thanks! Ill will update you when I see clearer.

[@itsagoodday2165]

Can this help someone who wear +15.50 in contacts?

[@brianwu7954]

Hello Nathan, I was wondering if wearing Anti-UV Glasses counted as your definition of "not wearing glasses?" Dr. Bates did mention in his book to throw away your glasses, but does he only mean the glasses that were meant to improve your visual acuity or glasses do other work?

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Brian Wu Do you mean sunglasses? If so, wearing sunglasses too much can weaken the muscles in the iris that constrict your pupils, which can lead to light sensitivity. When I stopped wearing my prescription glasses I also stopped wearing my sunglasses and started wearing hats instead so that my eyes could start taking in the indirect UV light they need. Sunlight is like food for your eyes and sunglasses starve the eyes from the nourishment they need.

[@brianwu7954]

Nathan Oxenfeld www.amazon.com/ESSENTIALS-Computer-Readers-Glasses-Optional/dp/B00G04DGYW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438656830&sr=8-1&keywords=Anti+UV+glasses This is what I meant, but I still think it still blocks off the light that your eyes need though.

[@raphaelkick]

Nathan Oxenfeld. I wear very often a Pin hole glass for computer use and, I'm not sure if the glasses is slowing my eye improvement process.what do you think? (I'm astigmatic and hiperopic).

[@NathanOxenfeld]

cake Pinholes can help you transition off of prescription glasses, but be careful that you're not relying on them just as much as glasses. Only use them for brief periods of time to help train your mind how to see the same level of clarity, if not more clearly, without them on.

[@raphaelkick]

Nathan Oxenfeld thanks for the answer I got another question regarding music and relaxation while practicing the Bates Method . Does music helps or prevents one's from achieving a greater level of relaxation while practicing some of the Bates Method such as Palming and Long Swing?

[@NathanOxenfeld]

+cake Music can really help get into a nice rhythm with your long swing and you can let your mind visualize things while you're listening to music/podcast/audiobook/guided meditation while you're palming. Have fun with it!

[@raphaelkick]

+Nathan Oxenfeld thanks for the info. Music I normally listen to, has no voices just good old plain instruments.

[@MEPS1996]

If i have -1.5 and -2 prescription how long would you say it would take to get to 20/20. Also, do you think I should not wear glasses most of the time with this prescription aside from the only time i crucially need the glasses which is during lectures?

[@NathanOxenfeld]

+MEPS1996 I was -3.5 when I started and it took me just under 3 years. But it depends, some people improve faster and some improve slower. Yes, try to only use your full strength glasses for lectures, driving, etc. and then either wear weaker prescription 'training glasses' or no glasses during the times you don't need the full correction.

[@skeeterburke]

I have never considered this

[@skeeterburke]

Wearing a weaker rx would never fly with the last optometrist I saw. My 2 eyes are so different too, so I need to get creative if I wear non rx...hmmmmmm.

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Luckily you can order your own prescription glasses online and choose the strength yourself without an eye doctor prescription on websites like www.zenni.com There are also these adjustable Adlens glasses that range from -6.00 to +3.00 so you can turn the dial on each lens to choose a custom prescription for each eye. www.amazon.com/Adlens-Adjustables-Various-Focus-Eyeglasses/dp/B00HFGXJAA

[@shikhasharma2404]

my lense power is -5 can I use weaker lense -2

[@NathanOxenfeld]

-2.00 is probably too weak to start with, that's 3 diopters weaker than where you are now. A possible first pair of training glasses for you might be -4.75, -4.50, -4.25, or -4.00. Once you adjust to one of those, you could consider dropping down bigger steps to -3.00, then -2.00, then -1.00. However, it all depends on your ability to stay relaxed while wearing the weaker glasses.

[@ashishkumar5317]

My optometrists proscription is -4.0 but I used -2 There are a big challenge for me but I manage it and within 10 days I found wonderful improvement in my eyes I think they heal themselves to see clearly.

[@nathanielz6136]

11:13 - Now THAT'S "tunnel vision". HA HAAAAA!! Good point, though.

[@skeeterburke]

Studying physics for 9 years encourages staring. So does any kind of technician work. If you carry a 1.5 mm Allen wrench on you, you might have some vision problems!

[@firetopman]

When you daydream, you tend to stare. I have to watch that.

[@NathanOxenfeld]

Yes, what is better is to just close your eyes or palm your eyes while you daydream... then you get to enjoy the daydream and rest your eyes at the same time!

[@tormyguy7185]

i hate my eye doctor now

[@chichioko1446]

What happened? 😶

[@wrestlingrealitywr3d246]

Make it short... it's Really Boring