A Transformation in Visual Consciousness
review by Irene Alleger

The Program for Better Vision by Martin Sussman Published by Cambridge Institute for Better Vision, 65 Wenham Road, Topsfield, Maine 01983 USA; 978- 887-3885 1998, Lge. paperback, $19.95, 201 pp.

Our vision is an integral part of our total being, affected by, and affecting, the body, mind and emotions in a profound way. Because all parts of the visual system - the eyes, the muscles around and in the eyes, the nerve pathways to the brain and the visual centers of the brain - are very delicate and require a high degree of precision, coordination and flexibility to perform optimally, this system is very sensitive to stress, tension and fatigue. That is why certain eye exercises do improve vision; they relax, tone, and maintain flexibility in the muscles around the eyes.

Sussman says many people are skeptical of their ability to improve their vision because of 5 misconceptions:

1 . Poor vision is inherited.
2. Vision inevitably deteriorates with age.
3. Poor vision is caused by certain visual activities. 4. Weak eye muscles cause poor vision.
5. Seeing is solely a physical, mechanical process.

The author clarifies these misconceptions and describes exactly how the eyes work, with good illustrations, saying "Clear vision isn't only determined by the strength of the eye muscles. And It isn't just a matter of the shape of the eye. Instead, clear vision requires that all parts of the visual system - ciliary body, Ions, extraocular muscles, shape of the eye - work together er and function in harmony .. and this coordination is ultimately a reflectlon of how the mind controls the eyes - which can be changed and retrained."

This is the basis of the program which the Cambridge Institute for Better Vision, of which Martin Sussman is Founder and Executive Director, presents in The Program for Better Vision. It's a very comprehensive guide, containing physical, emotional and mental techniques, which have helped more than 150,000 people in the past 10 years, at the Institute.

The Introduction advises how to use the book, and introduces the three components of better vision - physical eyesight, inner vision, and emotional seeing. The goal of, the program is to improve sight and reduce or eliminate the use of glasses. But the Program goes much further, emphasizing the role of nutrition in preventing and reversing eye diseases such as cataracts. A high-potency multivitamin/mineral supplement called Nutriplex is recommended, as well as bilberry, Ginkgo biloba, and bioflavonolds.

The sections on "Your Mind and Your Eyes, "and 'Your Emotions and Your Eyes," describe some of the complex interactions needed for the act of seeing, and how our thoughts and feelings affect what we see. There are suggested techniques for exploring the connection between emotions, memories, and vision, reaffirming the holistic view.

"The Six Vision Sessions" begins the 8-week program, incorporating 1) Fusion'String Technique; 2) Self Massage Techniques; 3) Vision Chart Techniques; 4) Mind's Eye Visualization; 5) Spectrum Visualization; and 6) Memory Visualization. You practice only one Vision Session each day, for 15 to 25 minutes. This is a very easy schedule to follow, the techniques are clearly illustrated, and the combined exercises produce results in just a few weeks. The oversize pages make for easy-on-the-eyes reading, and is used as a workbook.

After mastering the basic program, there is a "Second Stage," offering more advanced techniques and visualizations. These expand on the mind-body-emotion approach as the titles suggest:

1 . Balance and Coordination Exercises
2. Developing the Inner Seer
3. Exploring Your "Blur Zone"
4. Letting Go of Visual Tension
5. Peripheral and Fusion Awareness
6. Peripheral Awareness Exercises
7. Unlocking Your Memory
8. Vision Rock
9. Visual and Muscular Flexibility

Recently, there have been a lot of dire warnings about exposure to UV light, regarding skin cancers, and also protecting eyes with sunglasses to screen out these levels of light. But research done over the past 30 years (Off) has proven that we need the full spectrum of sunlight to enter through the eyes for our overall health. Sussman recommends 20-30 minutestday outside without any kind of glasses. The best rule is probably the good old "moderation." Besides a helpful section on saving your eyes at the computer,

The Program for Better Vision suggests the following 10 habits for better vision:

1 . Blink regularly. Blinking cleanses and lubricates the eyes.

2. Use your peripheral vision. People with poor vision often lock their concentration so intently on just one thing that they block out their peripheral awareness. This breeds mental fatigue and tension.

3. Keep your eyes moving and change your focus.

4. Avoid daydreaming. De-focused eyes don't blink or move and this promotes poor vision.

5. Look with the eyes of a child. Engage your visual world as a child would - with excitement, awe and wonder - as if everything you are seeing is new and fresh.

6. Nourish and rest your eyes. Eyes need unfiltered sunshine, as well as good nutrition. Use palming for tired eyes.

7. Use an under-corrected prescription. An under-corrected prescription encourages your visual system to work with the glasses, and not just passively depend on them.

8. Increase body relaxation and good posture. Stress and tension affects every part of our bodies.

9. Breathe deeply and regularly. Approximately 30% of the oxygen you inhale goes to nourish the muscles, nerves and brain cells of your visual system.

10. Look openly and honestly. Past and present emotional distress and resistance to facing what you see can affect vision.

This is by far the most holistic approach to improving vision that I've seen. The Program is clearly laid out, and seems easier to follow than other vision-improving techniques. But the best part is that everything you do for your eyes will benefit your overall health. The modem epidemic of cataracts and macular degeneration should undoubtedly be placed in the category of "lifestyle" causes: poor nutrition, spending most daylight -hours indoors under fluorescent fighting, stress and tension, and probably, too much help from our opticians.