EYE-CHART EXERCISES

 

A number of individuals have developed and used eye charts to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the eyes. As you strengthen the muscles, particularly the iris, you learn to adjust the amount of light you allow through your pupil to the retina. This ability can be developed to the point where you can discern subtle light emanations that you do not normally perceive.

 

The eye-chart exercises are physical exercises for the muscles of the eyes. They will strengthen your eyes to where brighter colour vision occurs along with more subtle light detection. As with all physical exercises, you should begin slowly and easily. You do not want to strain yourself or the muscles you are developing. The exercises are most effective if done every day, possibly twice per day, for no more than a 10- to l5-minute interval. That is all the time necessary to experience results.

 

Each of the four charts can be made from simple poster board. They can be cut out and constructed in dimensions of about 18 by 18 inches. You do not have to hold strictly to these dimensions. They are guidelines. The charts should be large enough so that you can see them clearly when they are hung on the wall in front of you, six to eight feet away.

 

When hanging them on the wall, hang them at eye level. If you will be seated during the exercises, hang them at eye level with respect to your seated position. Make sure the area on the wall around them is clear so there are no distractions. A blank wall is best. Do not hang them more than eight feet away when using them.

 

1. The Spiral Chart

 

This is a chart which helps to strengthen the muscles of the iris. It helps to strengthen depth vision and helps keep both eyes working together. You see most things through both eyes. When you look at an object, both eyes are focused upon it. When you change your gaze from something near to something far or vice versa, the muscles in your eye change the shape of the lens so that the new object of attention will come into focus on the retina. As you get older, it is more difficult for your eyes to make this shift from far to near. It doesn't have to be this way.

 

For this exercise, focus on the center of the spiral. Concentrate upon it. See it as a point deep within the tunnel, created by the spiral itself.
 

 
 
 
The Spiral Chart
 
Now you want to draw your focus out of that spiraling tunnel, as if pulling that innermost point outward. Then shift, allowing your eyes to be drawn within it. In and out. Slowly. Mentally see it as if you are pulling the spiral toward you and then sending it away from you. It will begin to take on three-dimensional form.

If you have difficulty with this, focus your eyes on the outer edge of the spiral and follow it around and around until you are in the centre. Then reverse the direction and allow yourself to come out of the spiral. Usually by the second or third time, you will begin to experience the in-and-out drawing effect.

Perform this exercise for no more than three or four minutes. You will feel the inner-eye muscles working throughout this exercise. If your eyes begin to hurt or strain, stop immediately.