Today we are going to touch upon a curious topic, more precisely the solarization of the eyes. More simply explained, it is building up the ability of the eyes to adapt quickly to strong sunlightwithout causing you to feel dazzled and the need to squint as soon as you step outside.
We owe the technique to renowned ophthalmologist Dr. William Horatio Bates.
Dr. William Horatio Bates (1860-1930)
William Bates was born on December 23, 1860 in Newark, New Jersey. He devoted his entire life to ophthalmology, making astonishing discoveries in the field.
He received his medical education at Cornell and graduated in 1885. He worked for a time as an assistant physician in a hospital for hearing and sight problems in New York City. He taught ophthalmology.
During his medical practice, he researched the causes of eye diseases as well as the way the visual system functions.
In 1919, Bates published the book Bates' Method for Improving Eyesight Without Glasses, where he described a new method for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases.
Solarization of the eyes
Once we have understood Bates' quest for better vision, we can move on to the eye solarization technique and see exactly what it consists of.
This is a method by which we get rid of the fear of light and improve our vision.
To avoid glare, we start by exposing ourselves to sunlight with our eyes closed. With frequent repetition and hard work, you'll get so used to the light that you won't feel the need for tinted glasses. By practicing this exercise you will see equally well in strong and low light.
If you decide to start the exercise in winter or cloudy weather, you can use a 150-200 watt lamp. It is important to know that the use of infrared and ultraviolet lamps is strictly prohibited!
Choose an outdoor location where there is shade but also sunlight. Sit comfortably and position your body so that half of it is hidden from the sun and the other half exposed to it.
Second:
- Start slowly turning the head to alternate light with shadow.
- Then close your eyes and expose your face facing the sunlight. You need about 30 seconds to start. If you feel any discomfort or pain, take a break by keeping your eyelids closed, but place your palms on them for a few minutes. This is called "palming". Do not squeeze the eyeballs!
- After holding for 30 seconds, do palming and repeat the exercise 3 more times, spread throughout the day. They do not need to be one after the other.
Third:
Increase the time each day by reaching a 20 minute session.
For a more even impact of light on the eyes, use head movement by drawing an imaginary circle or figure eight. Be relaxed and allow your imagination to run wild.
According to Beist, to be successful, eye solarization requires giving up sunglasses altogether. But again, he says their use is a must in blinding snow and in the tropics.
Bonus ! The Bates method for improving vision
According to him, the deteriorated vision is caused by constant tension. He believes that relaxed eyes and a serene brain can function in sync. So we learn to relax our eyes first, then our body, and finally both at the same time.
Focusing
Take an object and bring it close to your eyes so that you can see it perfectly, then bring it as close to your eyes as possible until you lose clear vision, Back away and repeat the exercise six times, morning noon and evening.
Eye rotation
Imitate the movement of the clock with your eyes. Turn 10 times in one direction and repeat another 10 times in the other direction.
Mini nap
Close your eyes and try to relax all the muscles of the face starting from the forehead, cheekbones, muscles around the mouth and finally the eyelids.
Give your eyes a rest by letting your gaze soar in space.
For the Ocillat World, the curiosity remains whether we will be able to master Bates' technique of eye solarization and reduce fatigue through his method of rest.