What: Relearning to See: Improve Your Eyesight Naturally! by Thomas R. Quackenbush (North Atlantic Books, first published 1997), a modern guide to the Bates method. We review it critically: it presents eye exercises as a way to need glasses less, and eye-care organizations say that has not been shown.
Who: Thomas R. Quackenbush, a teacher of the Bates method (author’s site).
Core Idea: Relaxation, eye movement habits and lifestyle changes, presented in the Bates tradition.
Our View: Readable, and useful as a record of the Bates method today. Its relaxation and screen-habit advice is reasonable; its central promise is not supported by evidence.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Book
- About the Author
- Key Themes
- What the Book Covers
- Techniques in the Book
- What the Evidence Says
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- FAQs
Introduction to the Book
Relearning to See: Improve Your Eyesight Naturally! by Thomas R. Quackenbush restates the Bates method for modern readers. The Bates method was proposed in 1920 by William Bates and is not supported by evidence (AAO). The book argues that relaxation and specific practices can reduce or replace the need for glasses. We review it as an example of the genre, not as a method to follow. (Bibliographic details: Open Library.)
About the Author
Thomas R. Quackenbush teaches the Bates method and has also edited a collection of Bates’s original magazines (see our review of Bates’s own book). He writes for a general audience rather than clinicians.
Key Themes
The book’s main themes, and how we read them:
- Relaxation: The book sees tension as the root of poor eyesight. That idea comes from Bates and is not supported by evidence; relaxation can still make tired eyes feel better.
- Daily habits: It encourages regular eye breaks and attention to posture and stress, which is sensible for screen workers.
- Modern context: It applies Bates’s ideas to screen work and digital eye strain.
What the Book Covers
- How the eye works: A lay explanation of seeing, framed by Bates’s theory rather than modern optics.
- Bates practices: Palming, “shifting” and other Bates exercises, described step by step.
- Everyday routines: Building breaks and relaxation into the day.
- Lifestyle: Stress, sleep and diet as part of general well-being.
Techniques in the Book
The practical techniques, and what they can do today:
- Palming: Covering closed eyes with the palms. A calm, relaxing break for tired eyes.
- Shifting and movement: Gentle eye movements. Pleasant as a break from a fixed gaze; they don’t change eyesight.
- Stress relief: Breathing and relaxation. Good for general well-being.
What the Evidence Says
We are not aware of controlled studies showing that the methods in this book change eyesight. Eye-care organizations are clear on the main points:
- Refractive errors: Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery. The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists “you can improve your vision with eye exercises” among common eye myths.
- Vision training: Eye-care organizations note that vision training is not proven to make eyesight sharper.
- Comfort: Breaks, blinking and relaxation can help eyes feel less tired after screens and reading (AAO). That is a comfort benefit, not a change in eyesight.
If your vision has changed, see an eye doctor before trying any self-help program.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Readable: Clear writing for a general reader.
- Sensible habits: Its advice on breaks and relaxation suits anyone with tired eyes.
- Historical interest: A current account of the Bates method.
Cons
- Main claim not supported: Exercises have not been shown to replace glasses or contact lenses.
- Risk of delay: Readers may put off an eye exam while trying exercises.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Relearning to See: Improve Your Eyesight Naturally! is worth reading as a modern account of the Bates method, with reasonable advice on relaxation and screen breaks. Read its central promise with care: eye exercises can help tired eyes feel more comfortable, but they don’t replace glasses or contact lenses. For any change in your vision, see an eye doctor.
FAQs
Q: What exercises help with digital eye strain?
A: Regular breaks, looking into the distance and blinking. Palming is a pleasant way to rest (AAO).
Q: Does stress affect my eyes?
A: Stress can make eyes feel more tired and strained. Managing it helps comfort, not eyesight.
Q: Can diet change my eyesight?
A: No. A balanced diet is part of overall health; it doesn’t replace glasses.
Q: Will this book help me stop wearing glasses?
A: No. Exercises don’t change your prescription. They can make tired eyes feel more relaxed.
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