Eyesight without glasses

[OtisBrown]

Hi Jansen,
You are a truly impressive success.  Remember, the NEI, states and most doctors believe that EVEN PREVENTION (at 20/30 and -1/2 D) is totally, absolutely impossible, by anyone, and under any circumstance.  You two years of work, (from -4 and -2, and I suspect 20/100) it truly incredible.  I would strongly suggest that you NOT get into an argument with an OD or MD about this issue of your success.  You know what you achieved, OBJECTIVELY.  They DO NOT WANT TO KNOW that anyone is successful.  Even so, you do have some more "work" to do.  Getting to 20/30 and then 20/25, just takes more dedicated time and persistence with the plus 2.  But you have already proven you can "stick" with your own effort.  I like your idea (now you are at 20/40) of going for walks on a "bright day" and just wearing a plus 1 for several minutes.  (The eye "adusts" to that +1).  Then take the plus 1 off, and be amazied at how sharper the world looks.  I always confirm my Snellen at 20/20 BEFORE I got to the OD.  That way, when they "measure me" with their "faulty measurement system, and attempt to "prescribe" a lens for me -- I simply thank them, go home and read my Snellen as passing the required line.  Then I put the "prescription" in a book -- and forget about it.  Thanks,  Otis

[jansen]

Thank you Otis and Todd,

It has indeed been a long journey, and I hope to get to at least 20/25 by the end of this year, or better. One of the things i found helpful besides plus lenses was the stretching of the ocular muscles as stated in PVS. The ocular muscles must be trained in order for them to respond to constant blur, or reading at the blur point. Otherwise, the eye cannot adapt and will not move towards a plus direction. The muscles must be trained symmetrically, to train imbalances in the eye muscles.

[OtisBrown]

Hi Jansen,
Subject: In doing this work ... I realized that there can never be a "perfect" way, nor a perfect solution that fits everyone.

But I deeply appreciate David's personal efforts, and indeed his success.  While I will promote "the plus", I also must agree that his methods (when you call them "relaxation" or exercise) are effective also.  I do think that in the "last stage", from 20/40 to 20/25, consistent use of the plus is most effective.  (But this is my opinion).  In any event, here is David's site to support others who wish to follow this "self-protection" of you distant vision -- for life.

http://www.powervisionsystem.com/

It is obvious that because of the very dedicated physical effort required (and a belief in yourself) that this approach simply can not be called "medical" in any sense of the word.  So you have done it "right" this far, and I look for you to continue.  Please continue to post your thoughts on this very difficult subject.  Otis

Thank you Otis and Todd,

It has indeed been a long journey, and I hope to get to at least 20/25 by the end of this year, or better. One of the things i found helpful besides plus lenses was the stretching of the ocular muscles as stated in PVS. The ocular muscles must be trained in order for them to respond to constant blur, or reading at the blur point. Otherwise, the eye cannot adapt and will not move towards a plus direction. The muscles must be trained symmetrically, to train imbalances in the eye muscles.

[OtisBrown]

Hi Jansen and Todd,
I know we "trust" the NIH/NEI to protect us and our distant vision. But when you start asking pointed questions about even the POSSIBILITY of prevention (even at 20/40 an 20/50) all you get is the statement that, "prevention is impossible", even when SLIGHTLY nearsighted -- as stated in this video.  It is rater obvious, that no one is going to get ANY help with prevention. The video is 9 minutes long -- and I am certain this person is totally confused.  I have encountered this "position" endlessly.  This is why people like David and Todd are so very important.  When I argue, "be smart, do it yourself, an OD or MD will never help" -- this is what I am talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlrrc2Zq8Hs

Jansen -- continue your efforts, you are doing the "right thing", and headed in the right direction.  Don't bother attempting to 'argue" with others that you are "successful".  Only you know what you have accomplished.
Otis

[shadowfoot]

Congratulations Jansen!

[jansen]

Hello Everyone,

My vision has stayed around the same, about 20/40 sometimes dipping into 20/50 when I'm tired. I'm still using +2.00 lenses and doing ocular stretching. I also moved seats in classes, so I can avoid the minus for now.

[OtisBrown]

Hi Jansen,
Some questions for you. 
I know we can't use the +2 for all close work.  Also, I know that I read a book at a different distance -- that when I work on a computer.  What I do now, is to "push" to book as far away as the computer, which is about 22 inches from my eyes.  I am wearing a +2.5 diopter as I type this into my computer.  Would you say you wear the plus, about 70 percent of the time you do all close work.  Thanks for your answer.  Otis

[jansen]

Yes, I wear +2.00 at around 16-17 while reading, as well as for P.C work. Sometimes I won't wear it during band rehearsal which is about 50 minutes, but I look into the distance every 10 minutes or so. I also don't wear it while eating, but I'm not sure if that really counts as close work.

[OtisBrown]

Hi Jansen,
That is the right way to do it.  Obviously for short-term "near looking" you don't need to put them on.  For playing in the band, you sheet music will be easy, but you will be looking at the conductor -- a lot.  Don't need them there.  But when you are sitting at a desk, writing, computer-editing, then they must be on.  As always, I "push away" to find that "just blur point" and then lean forward for comfortable clear vision through the plus.  I am very happy you have reached the 20/40 to 20/50 level, and you can avoid that wretched minus lens.  That is always a major success.  So just "stick" with wearing the +2, and keep on going.  I like the idea that I can play tennis, swim, with no minus on my face.  I also like the idea that I will never be dependent on a lens for distant vision.  I think you are well aware, that the un-protected eye in school goes down at a steady -1/2 diopter for each year you are in school.  That would be the real "motivator" for me -- to realize that this wearing of the plus can prevent that degeneration of my vision.  Thanks for your update.  Otis

[Nate]

This is my first time posting on the rehab forum, although I have posted in the comments section of the blog post.  I started with a prescription of 6.0 R/5.25 L in August 2011.  I made rapid progress at first, but seem to have hit a plateau around 4.5 in both eyes.  I am still very determined. 

"Thanks to Jansen for publishing his success.  It is very inspiring, and also helps me understand the kind of timeline I am looking at-probably a couple of years still.

One thing I have noticed-the very strong discrepancy between my daytime vision and nighttime vision-I think I lose as much as a whole diopter at night.  Does this improve as the vision itself improves?

Thanks for all your work and inspiration.

Nate

[OtisBrown]

Thanks for your commentary Nate,
We are all cheering for Jansen.  I have acknowledged how truly slow it is to get your refractive status to change in a positive direction, as Jansen is now doing it.  It is wonderful that he got from 20/100 to 20/40 vicinity, and can do everything he wants to do with no minus lens on his face.  But still, it will take another nine months to a year to finally get to a refractive status of zero and slightly positive, and visual acuity as good as possible.
To help with this process, I have created a series of videos about how to get and check your own Snellen, as well as your own refractive status.  This is to help all who are working on "Snellen clearing" to continue with that work.  On YouTube, type, "OtisSumnerBrown", for this type of self-checking and self-responsiblity. 
Of course we are very pleased that Todd was so successful, and I think from about -3 diopters.
To answer your question, once you begin to get the 20/50 line clear, by your own checking, your "night" vision will improve also, in my opinion.
Otis

This is my first time posting on the rehab forum, although I have posted in the comments section of the blog post.  I started with a prescription of 6.0 R/5.25 L in August 2011.  I made rapid progress at first, but seem to have hit a plateau around 4.5 in both eyes.  I am still very determined. 

"Thanks to Jansen for publishing his success.  It is very inspiring, and also helps me understand the kind of timeline I am looking at-probably a couple of years still.

One thing I have noticed-the very strong discrepancy between my daytime vision and nighttime vision-I think I lose as much as a whole diopter at night.  Does this improve as the vision itself improves?

Thanks for all your work and inspiration.

Nate

[Todd Becker]

One thing I have noticed-the very strong discrepancy between my daytime vision and nighttime vision-I think I lose as much as a whole diopter at night.  Does this improve as the vision itself improves?

Glad to have you posting here, Nate.  You are quite right that nighttime vision typically suffers relative to daytime vision.  In fact, brighter light always improves vision. You can prove this to yourself by reading text (or a Snellen chart) -- you'll find that you can read smaller text more easily in brighter light.

In addition to the good points made by Otis, I would suggest doing focusing exercises at night.  I particularly like looking at distinct edges or points of light -- car tailights, neon signs -- at various distances to see what you are able to bring into focus.  If your vision is good enough, you can do this while driving; if not, while a passenger or while walking. You will often notice an apparent "double vision" of a sharp image or light next to a blurry one.  Keep focusing on the sharper part of the image until the blurry counterpart recedes in strength.

Good luck.  Stick with it and report your progress.  Like me, Otis, jansen, shadowfoot and several others who have overcome or reduced myopia, success is within the grasp of those who persist.

Todd

[OtisBrown]

Hi Nate and group.
Subject: Required Visual Acuity on your Snellen eye-chart.
I try to avoid wearing a minus lens, consistent with passing the required DMV test or standards.  I test at home, to make certain I will pass the DMV (brightly lit) Snellen in and office.  So, you must get a minus lens if you do not pass these standards.  They are interesting, however.  Florida reaquires 20/70 or better, Georgia and some other States, 20/60 or better,  Texas and other States, 20/50 or better, with most at 20/40 or better.  Since I have my own test lenses, I can get what I need from Zennioptical.com for $10.  I have no argument with using a minus while driving.  At $10, I just would keep the "minus" on my dash board and put it on for driving.  I obviously don't say "throw away you minus glasses".  I say, get to passing the DMV requirement, and then you can avoid wearing a minus lens.  This is why it is important to have your own Snellen on a wall, and to make your own measurements.  Here are a list of these DMV requirements.

http://www.lowvisioncare.com/driving_regulations.html

If you are in the 20/50 to 20/40 range, you exceed some of these DMV requirements.  It is my belief, that if you are at 20/40, and have great dedication to wearing a plus, you can slowly get to the range of 20/25 to 20/20.  But it obviously takes very strong personal resolve to keep on wearing the plus to achieve that last goal.  Thanks, Otis

This is my first time posting on the rehab forum, although I have posted in the comments section of the blog post.  I started with a prescription of 6.0 R/5.25 L in August 2011.  I made rapid progress at first, but seem to have hit a plateau around 4.5 in both eyes.  I am still very determined. 

"Thanks to Jansen for publishing his success.  It is very inspiring, and also helps me understand the kind of timeline I am looking at-probably a couple of years still.

One thing I have noticed-the very strong discrepancy between my daytime vision and nighttime vision-I think I lose as much as a whole diopter at night.  Does this improve as the vision itself improves?

Thanks for all your work and inspiration.

Nate

[OtisBrown]

Hi Nate and group,
I find it very difficult to obtain "support" minus lenses from an OD.  For some reason, they will not 1) Reduce a minus lens for me, or will 2) Object to my own checking of my vision using a Snellen.
Here is a discussion on how to buy supportive minus lenses for about $10.

http://tod.fm/where-to-buy-eyeglasses-and-training-lenses/

Otis

[jansen]

Hello everyone,

It seems that my vision has dipped slightly to about 20/50 because of the amount of school work I've had to do these past few weeks. Sometimes, when i'm tired, it seems the more i read with the plus, my vision worsens and becomes blurrier.