We live in a world of strain and tension. Our culture provides many challenges to our commitment to remaining healthy. We tend to eat the wrong foods, spend too much time sitting, and looking at our phones and computers. This effects our entire bodies including our vision, which is very susceptible to the effects of fatigue and tension. In order to prevent our vision from gradually deteriorating, it's helpful to practice certain techniques and ways of seeing, based primarily in relaxation.

William H. Bates, who developed helpful relaxation methods over a century ago, was a very effective vision teacher. The techniques he taught are now known as the Bates Method. It's always best to work with someone because, as he pointed out, vision is caught not taught. So in the absence of a teacher or coach, the best thing is to spend time around people with perfect eyesight, especially children. Observe and adopt their free, open, relaxed way of seeing.

Below are some resources that give a sense of what it takes to relax and clear up the visual strain.