Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Are you an eye doctor?
A: No, I am a Certified Bates Method Teacher and Yoga Teacher.
Q: Do you test or prescribe eyes?
A: No. I teach Bates Method of natural vision improvement.
Q: What is the Bates Method?
A: The Bates Method is a proven method that addresses the underlying root causes of imperfect vision instead of treating the symptoms. It may be likened to physical therapy for the eyes and students learn to build vision while decreasing dependency on artificial lenses. Almost all functional vision problems can be overcome and reversed with natural methods. Click here to read even more.
Q: What types of vision problems can be improved by natural methods?
A: Nearly all functional vision problems can be overcome and reversed by natural methods. This includes refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), presbyopia (“old-age” sight), and astigmatism, as well as more complicated issues like strabismus (crossed eyes), double vision, cataracts, glaucoma, blepharitis, dry and itchy eyes, macular degeneration, and more.
Q: How does Integral Eyesight Improvement work?
A: All of the above issues share a common root cause, which is strain. Whether physical or mental, holding unconscious strain for a long period of time can cause the muscles around the eye to get stuck and hold the eyeball out of shape. This affects the eye’s flexibility and ability to change shape in order to focus. As a type of physical therapy for the eyes, practicing the physical and mental drills of the Bates Method helps alleviate the unconscious tension and the muscles around the eyes slowly release, allowing proper circulation to flow freely and the proper functioning of the eye organs. The body is an intelligent interconnected organism that wants to work correctly, so given the opportunity to function properly it will.
Q: How much time does it take to improve my vision?
A: Every pair of eyes is unique and each person responds to the Bates Method differently. For me, I consider vision improvement a lifelong endeavor. By this I do not mean that it will take forever for your vision to improve, rather that vision is a fluid phenomenon that fluctuates with every breath, so having the tools of the Bates Method will help me respond to situations appropriately and allow me to maintain clear vision through prevention. The goal of Integral Eyesight improvement is twofold: first to teach you the fundamentals of the Bates Method to initially regain normal vision through a conscious effort and second to internalize and memorize the method so that proper visual habits return to their subconscious state, resulting in lasting effortless vision. Eventually you will not need a teacher as you become your own teacher. Variables that affect the amount of time include age, length of time lenses have been worn, strength of prescription, willingness and frequency of participation, and your ability to be a good student. Although the amount of time required varies with each person, one can expect to devote at least two to four months to learn and practice the Bates Method with a professional before reducing frequency and ultimately assimilating clear vision on your own.
Q: What if I need to wear glasses to see / go to school / go to work / etc.?
A: That’s okay! You can still incorporate better vision habits into your everyday life and start to see positive changes in your vision. I recommend you start each day with a short vision routine, sort of like how you brush your teeth every morning. You can still wear your glasses to perform everyday activities. You simply become more aware of exactly when you need them, and when you don’t. As time goes on, the list of activities that you can perform without glasses increases.
Q: What if my vision improves naturally, won’t my glasses be too strong?
A: Yes! When you apply the Bates Method in your everyday life and start to see more clearly with your own eyes, your requirement for glasses decreases little by little. Not only can you become more independent from glasses in general, but you can also decrease the amount of correction you need, in other words dropping down to a weaker prescription.
Q: Won’t it be expensive to buy a bunch of pairs of weaker glasses as my vision improves?
A: It might if you choose name-brand glasses companies… however, nowadays there are a handful of websites that offer very affordable prescription glasses that make it not only more affordable but more accessible to “wean off” prescription glasses gradually over time.
Q: Is it difficult to improve my vision?
A: The Bates Method is never difficult, hard or painful. The core of the Bates Method is relaxation and ease. If you ever experience strain, struggle or pain while performing the Bates Method, you are not doing it right. All of the practices are meant to feel good.
Q: If the Bates Method works so well, why haven’t I heard of it before?
A: The Bates Method was developed almost 100 years ago in the early 20th century but is still not accepted as credible by most of orthodox optometry. At first this may sound like a long time ago, but consider the fact that mainstream optometry is still using even older theories from the 19th century. The currently accepted theory of accommodation, presented by Hermann von Helmholtz in 1855, states that the lens is the only contributing factor to our focusing ability. Dr. Bates proved that the six extrinsic muscles around each eye work in accompaniment with the lens and both contribute to our ability to focus light properly on the retina in the back of the eye. Since the human body is highly complex and interconnected it makes sense that several muscles, not just one, work together toward accommodation. Not many people have heard of the Bates Method before because it has been ostracized by the medical field. Eye doctors make a living prescribing glasses for people, so anything that prevents people from needing glasses may be seen as a threat. Additionally, the Bates Method challenges the entire behemoth of the optical industry, a $35.47 billion industry according to a study conducted by the Vision Council and released by Vision Expo*. Massive medical industries do not allow any room for alternatives and do not want anyone to experience anything aside from what they offer.
Q: I have worn lenses for a long time and my prescription keeps getting stronger. Why is this happening?
A: Glasses, contacts and laser eye surgery are quick-fix methods that cover up the symptoms of eyestrain instead of dealing with the root cause, which is tension of the mind and muscles. When lenses are placed in front of the eyes, the light is focused correctly on the retina and a clear image is produced, but the underlying issue of physical and mental strain is not addressed. The lens wearer therefore maintains improper vision habits and chronic strain, which perpetuates visual degeneration. The same applies to laser eye surgery. In surgery the corneas are cut and flattened in order to refocus the light correctly on the retina, but once again the underlying issue that caused the visual blur in the first place is not addressed. Without relearning proper vision habits, the vision will continue to decline no matter what types of visual crutches are used.
Q: Is Integral Eyesight Improvement right for me?
A: Integral Eyesight Improvement is right for you if:
-You have a functional vision imbalance (nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism, cataract, glaucoma, etc.)
-You wish to see clearly again
-You are tired of using contacts or glasses on a regular basis
-You would like to save money by not buying contacts and glasses every year
-You are not convinced that the eyes are the only part of the human body that does not heal itself
-You are interested in alternative or holistic methods of healing
-You feel comfortable with change and self-evolution
-You don’t wear glasses but your vision is losing its sharpness
-You spend a lot of time doing close-up work (computer, reading, cell phones, etc.)
-You get headaches or migraines
-You have sensitivity to bright lights and need sunglasses
-You have had LASIK laser eye surgery but are not pleased with the results
-You are willing to dedicate time and energy to helping yourself
Integral Eyesight Improvement may not be right for you if:
-You want a quick fix to your vision imbalance
-You are not willing to take responsibility for your own health
-You are not willing to make significant life changes and adjustments of deeply ingrained habits
-You are not willing to commit yourself to the program, upholding daily/weekly/monthly regiments
-You have a vision imbalance from an injury or disease (detached retina, etc.)
-You are a heavy alcohol/cigarette/drug abuser