Cover Story

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR VISION NATURALLY

Sept/Oct 2001 GLEN SWARTWOUT '78
Cover Story
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR VISION NATURALLY
Sept/Oct 2001 GLEN SWARTWOUT '78

OPTOMETRIST

STAY AWAY FROM TWINKIES. In general, myopia appears to be greatly influenced by culture, diet and what we do with our eyes. Refined foods, with more sugar and fewer minerals, reduce the elasticity of the eye. Eskimos are a well-documented example of the increased incidence of myopia with the introduction of industrial culture to an indigenous people, including refined food, electric light and public education. Almost no myopia was found in the entire population prior to the introduction of these changes. Within one generation the rate soared to about 60 percent.

STOP SQUINTING. Our neurological wiring makes us assume that when we're focusing too near, we have to focus harder. It's like when you're in school trying to solve a problem and the teacher says, "Try harder." We should be telling students to "try easier." Squinting is like sitting on a balloon.lt's stress. The body's way of handling momentary stress is to come back and make it stronger, but if you strain that muscle by using it repeatedly, your system can get stretched out. Instead, relax. Focus on one of your fingertips. Breathe deeply and visualize the eyes expanding as you alternate bringing your finger closer and farther away.

The son of a pioneering vision therapist and anurse, Swartwout practices wellness consulting andoptometry in Hilo, Hawaii. He is the author of the Natural Eye Care Encyclopedia. Swartwoutmajored in earth sciences.