<![CDATA[Bates Method: Eye Exercises]]>my sister tried the eye exercises promoted by Leo Angart:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3937553088/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_g14_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=14QSY00RD5DFGTY58YM9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

her child, a P4 kid, did the exercises for 1 week and her myopia went down from 400 degrees to 200. You have to do the exercises every hour on the hour for a week though. Each exercise just takes a few minutes, but it is tiring.
Once there is an improvement, the frequency of the exercises can be dropped to a few times a week, rather than every hour.
I'm wondering if the effect is permanent though. Anyway will be monitoring.

This will be good for parents who wants a natural way to improve their child's eyesight rather than relying on medication (ie. atropine)

I did some research on this and found that modern day practioners of eye exercises based their methods on William H. Bates.
http://www.amazon.com/Method-Better-Eyesight-Without-Glasses/dp/0805002413/ref=pd_sim_b_1
the above book tells you about the principles behind the eye exercises.

this other book has the more practical eye exercises:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1556433417/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_g14_i5?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=14QSY00RD5DFGTY58YM9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

and

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684814382/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_g14_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=14QSY00RD5DFGTY58YM9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

I found these books in Kinokuniya as well. However, it is more expensive than Amazon.com, but the advantage is that you can get it in Singapore. You can check them out at Kinokuniya's website: http://www.kinokuniya.com.sg/

anyone who has tried eye exercises can chip in here.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/25777/bates-method-eye-exercisesRSS for NodeThu, 30 Apr 2026 08:56:48 GMTMon, 12 Sep 2011 01:00:02 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Sat, 04 Jul 2020 02:18:46 GMT]]>Hi!


I'm from SLM Visioncare and our services are based on physiotherapy (methods from Bates, Leo Angart & Nakagawa Kazuhiro). Our vision is to offer safe, risk-free and long term solutions for vision problems, especially myopia.

If you're interested, do contact us at https://tinyurl.com/SLMTele.

We've recently create a telegram channel as well where we will be posting useful eye advises (once/twice a week). If you're interested, do join us! : https://t.me/sgmyopiacontrol

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1983711https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1983711Sat, 04 Jul 2020 02:18:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:57:23 GMT]]>Nowadays, myopia/blindness/eyesight is the most common eye problems faced by people across the world. Actually some people think that https://www.plano.co/myth-busted-do-eye-exercises-really-help-in-reducing-myopia/ for myopia are the ‘natural’ method of treatment. Here we can get more about it: https://www.plano.co/myth-busted-do-eye-exercises-really-help-in-reducing-myopia/ Really?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1983660https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1983660Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:57:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Thu, 04 May 2017 04:01:37 GMT]]>Hi Cimman,


I wanted to check how is your niece doing. Did the exercises work for all this time or was it just a temporary improvement. My daughter who is just 4, recently got glasses for high astigmatism. I seriously want a natural cure and have been doing the clown exercise suggested by Leo Angart. My daughter is too little to attend his workshops but just wanted an assurance that I can get her rid of glasses if she does the eye exercises regularly.

Thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1771709https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1771709Thu, 04 May 2017 04:01:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Mon, 12 Oct 2015 05:06:46 GMT]]>Bates method does not work, or at least there is no properly done study out there which shows that there is any effect from it. There is also no reason why it should work. It is based on a wrong concept of how the eye works: Bates thought that the muscles outside the eye-the ‘extraocular’ muscles (which actually only move the eye in different directions) are responsible for focusing.


Many times when the Bates method seems to work-it is because the spectacle power was wrongly measured the first time. Children can overfocus very easily, even if you give them extra 100 or 200 degrees of shortsighted spectacle power, they can still see clearly. So, a child with 200 degrees could be mistakenly measured to be 400 degrees. Then if measured another time under better conditions, with more experienced optometrist or doctor, then the real measurement is obtained. Another way to make sure the correct measurement is obtained is to do cyclo refraction-where the eyes are dilated. This is helpful for younger children especially less than 10 years old or whenever the shortsightedness seems to have jumped a lot.

Atropine is a proven treatment for slowing shortsightedness from increasing. The weaker concentration 0.01% has no side effects whatsoever, unless somebody is allergic to atropine. So normal glasses can be used.

The 1% one is stronger and will dilate the eyes, so progressives and transitions (which turn dark in bright surroundings) are required.

The stabilizing effect of 1% is stronger than 0.01%, but even the 0.01% can halve the rate of progression which is useful for many people.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1591804https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1591804Mon, 12 Oct 2015 05:06:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 26 Mar 2014 05:57:13 GMT]]>Glad to hear that most who tired are stabilising… It is definitely a confident boost for me and many out there. Heard that 0.01% atropine has lesser side effect such as glaring. I hope that she is suitable for it. She is only 9 and heart ache to see her eyesight worsen and I am zero help to her.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248699https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248699Wed, 26 Mar 2014 05:57:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 26 Mar 2014 04:14:15 GMT]]>

gpp:
zeemimi:

I'm skeptical about the Bates method too. DD's eyes got worse with it. Also went to NEC for atropine and finally stabilised.


We have an appt at SNEC on 17 April for consultation, hopefully her eyes are suitable for atropine. Probably this is the last resort to slow down her worsen. Any side effects your DD experience? What is the atropine % used? Thks.

Most notable is the glare experienced in the beginning. So we made transition glasses for her. She got used and adjusted to the glare easily.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248588https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248588Wed, 26 Mar 2014 04:14:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 26 Mar 2014 04:12:40 GMT]]>My DD is on Atropine eye drop for many years now...so far so good . Stabilising .... 😉

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248584https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248584Wed, 26 Mar 2014 04:12:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 26 Mar 2014 03:26:19 GMT]]>

zeemimi:
I'm skeptical about the Bates method too. DD's eyes got worse with it. Also went to NEC for atropine and finally stabilised.

We have an appt at SNEC on 17 April for consultation, hopefully her eyes are suitable for atropine. Probably this is the last resort to slow down her worsen. Any side effects your DD experience? What is the atropine % used? Thks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248518https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248518Wed, 26 Mar 2014 03:26:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 26 Mar 2014 02:54:25 GMT]]>I’m skeptical about the Bates method too. DD’s eyes got worse with it. Also went to NEC for atropine and finally stabilised.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248471https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248471Wed, 26 Mar 2014 02:54:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 26 Mar 2014 02:50:54 GMT]]>Hi, we went for the workshop by Leo Angart too and have been training since then… However my girl eye sight is getting worse and now we are seeking help from the National Eye centre for the option of atropine (0.01%).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248468https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1248468Wed, 26 Mar 2014 02:50:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Fri, 18 Oct 2013 12:36:23 GMT]]>[quote=\"cimman\"]my sister tried the eye exercises promoted by Leo Angart:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3937553088/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_g14_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=14QSY00RD5DFGTY58YM9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

her child, a P4 kid, did the exercises for 1 week and her myopia went down from 400 degrees to 200. You have to do the exercises every hour on the hour for a week though. Each exercise just takes a few minutes, but it is tiring.
Once there is an improvement, the frequency of the exercises can be dropped to a few times a week, rather than every hour.
I'm wondering if the effect is permanent though. Anyway will be monitoring.
quote]

Hi ... just wondering if it helped your sisters child ... did it stabilise? I notice this post more than a year. My DS is facing same issue with worsening myopia. Please share.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1124655https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1124655Fri, 18 Oct 2013 12:36:23 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:40:39 GMT]]>Hi Cimman,


Pretty curious, did you manage to know how is the progress ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/911654https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/911654Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:40:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:38:36 GMT]]>

cimman:
the string method was used, the one where you vary the distance and using the string to gauge the distance. My niece tried the method for 2 weeks. I'll have to check on the progress again to see if it was maintained.

It is good if you could check with her again as it has been a few months since. Hope to hear good news. It is advisable to bring her to an optical shop for a proper eye check.

I used the eye chart given in the seminar and my dd's eyesight seemed to be okay i.e. she could see quite well after the eye exercise. But I got a shock when I finally brought her to an optical shop as her power increased from 100 to 300 in less than 2 years. I went to a second shop and the result was the same. :yikes:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/634755https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/634755Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:38:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:57:27 GMT]]>the string method was used, the one where you vary the distance and using the string to gauge the distance. My niece tried the method for 2 weeks. I’ll have to check on the progress again to see if it was maintained.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/634729https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/634729Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:57:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:04:15 GMT]]>I also attended the Leo Angart’s seminar, effects also temporary. I heard that atropine did not work well for one of my friend’s kids. Not really sure what else can be done.


Cinman, how long did the exercises take to show lasting results?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/630820https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/630820Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:04:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:57:58 GMT]]>I attended Leo Angart’s seminar in Singapore with my dd. I found the effect temporary. After the exercises, she could read the eye chart better, maybe 1 or 2 lines down but over time, her power still increased.


cimman, which exercises did your sister’s child did? For my dd, she mainly did the string exercise.

Another thing, my dd seemed to read the eye chart quite well at home but the eye test in optical shop showed different results.

Now, I am considering atropine but still concerned about the possible long term side effects.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/628613https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/628613Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:57:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:45:42 GMT]]>

Bradshaw:
I am extremely thankful to you for posting about the Eye Exercises because i have weak eye sight and believe that by doing these exercises would be effective for improvement of my eyes . Thanks

you're welcome, Bradshaw. I have to add a caveat that everyone's eye physiology is different, so while it might work on one, it might not be that effective on another.
The cost is not high, just the cost of a book, some dedication and if you see results after a week or two, well and good. At this point in time, I can't say that the results are proven to be a permanent solution.
The exercises don't work on someone who has done Lasik though.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/585417https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/585417Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:45:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:26:04 GMT]]>

cimman:
Busymom:

Cimman,


Could you share briefly what/how are the exercises like? Are they easy to understand? I'm always worried that I may end up doing the exercises incorrectly due to wrong interpretation of the method.

TIA.

there are a number of exercises for different problems, astigmatism, myopia, and for older folks presbyopia. The exercises are simple to do, it's not complicated.

if you're interested in the exercises, it's best you go to Kinokuniya at Takashimaya and browse through the books I've recommended. The exercises involves looking at different graphic charts and focusing on different points on the chart, and sweeping your eyes left to right on word charts. Different charts for different problems.

Thank you, cimman, will go check out the books.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/584486https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/584486Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:26:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:25:49 GMT]]>

Busymom:
Cimman,


Could you share briefly what/how are the exercises like? Are they easy to understand? I'm always worried that I may end up doing the exercises incorrectly due to wrong interpretation of the method.

TIA.
there are a number of exercises for different problems, astigmatism, myopia, and for older folks presbyopia. The exercises are simple to do, it's not complicated.

if you're interested in the exercises, it's best you go to Kinokuniya at Takashimaya and browse through the books I've recommended. The exercises involves looking at different graphic charts and focusing on different points on the chart, and sweeping your eyes left to right on word charts. Different charts for different problems.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/583566https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/583566Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:25:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:58:43 GMT]]>Cimman,


Could you share briefly what/how are the exercises like? Are they easy to understand? I’m always worried that I may end up doing the exercises incorrectly due to wrong interpretation of the method.

TIA.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/582797https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/582797Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:58:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:23:57 GMT]]>

ksi:
This sounds fantastic....Do you know if there is a possibility to reduce back to perfect vision? Thanks.

oh yes. Based on the reviews of the books in Amazon.com, people have achieved 20/20 vision after the exercises. The people who reviewed the books shared their experiences and most were quite positive.
The exercises are quite tiring initially, so I wouldn't recommend your child doing it now, being this close to SA2 exams. You can try it during the holidays. There's nothing much to lose except the cost of the book, which is quite reasonable, and a fair amount of discipline to do the exercises every hour.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/582770https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/582770Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:23:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Bates Method: Eye Exercises on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:03:45 GMT]]>This sounds fantastic…Do you know if there is a possibility to reduce back to perfect vision? Thanks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/582592https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/582592Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:03:45 GMT