Hi Otis,
Sept. 24th, 2012 I went to a dollar store, and purchased +1 glasses for exactly $1 plus tax. I started using them that day for my computer work. The first 3 weeks or so, I pressed my eyes too much, and felt I was not making any progress and in fact was regressing. Alex Frauenfeld has helped me, suggesting that in my case I am likely overdoing it and that such agressive stimulation may be counter-productive. I think Todd's messages in various spots on this forum cover the same theme. After that, for the most part I used them just inside the point of blur with a few periods per day where I pushed it and try to bring a bit more distance into the clear. I also try as much as I can to go outside for a walk and work on distance accuity, and especially my peripheral vision as described by Alex Frauenfeld again on myopiachallenge. The peripheral vision walks especially, can bring tearing or the verge of tearing to my eyes. Anytime I have tearing I think I am doing something right.
My intention was to stay with +1 for one month's time, and then move to +1.25 or +1.50. I had hoped to have increased the distance that I was reading my computer through the +1s. I do not think I have increased my +1 distance too much if at all, on average maybe 1 or 2 cm.
So today I made the move to +1.5s. I seem to be able to function at 18-19" from my computer monitor. I intend to try to continue with +1.5 for near work for at least a month even if I make obvious improvements before then. It seems more reasonable to me to not push my eyes too hard on the changes with too much plus. After one month I will re-evaluate.
At the same time, I am following a disciplined approach of recording my reading blur point naked eye, with +1, and starting today with +1.5. Hopefully this record keeping (part of Alex's protocol) will help me identify trends over time.
As for my trial lenses, I made a major move at the end of July, and I have still not found the box where I packed them. So, I have been unable to validate what my current self-measured refractive status is since that time.
Peter
Hi Peter,
I know you went from 20/200 (almost legal blindness with no lens) to passing the DMV, at 20/40 or better. I agree that most of this work can be done with no plus lens. I know you have a number of opinions about wearing the plus for all close work at this time. By re-reading this thread you can see a vast variety of opinions on this difficult subject. I like the reaction and success of Shadow-foot. He just used a strong plus, until he went from 20/30 to better-than 20/20 - I think the limit of most eyes is 20/18 to 20/15.
I think the hardest part for now - is to continue with the plus (if that is your choice). I know you can "test" your eyes with a minus lens - and determine that a -1.0 will give you 20/15 vision. (That is what 'sells' in an office - with all due respect.) But, by your own measurements of your own refractive state - you know you need a "change" of about +1.0 diopter - to get to better-than 20/20. That change is indeed very slow to develop - so you are not going to see any results for some time. This is where "pilot Severson" excelled. He just kept wearing the plus for nine months - until he reached the "level" that Shadow-foot achieved. That "last" 1.0 diopter of change is indeed the most difficult to achieve. But, in my opinion, it was your own ability to learn how to use a "trial lens", and over-come your 'fear' of wearing a plus that made you truly successful - by going to the DMV and OBJECTIVELY passing their test. What you do now - will get be a "learning process" in objective science - as I understand it.
Otis