Improve vision and exercise your eyes

In this issue:
1. Vision Tip of the Month: Take a Moment to Look
2. Q&A: How Can I Get More Comfortable at the Computer?
3. The Vision Challenge: This Month's Winner

1. Vision Tip of the Month: Take a Moment to Look

How many people do you see each day? I mean, really SEE?

Each of us comes into contact with dozens of people every day. Some of these people are important to us (friends, family or co-workers) while others are more casual contacts (pharmacist, postal employee, store clerk).

Sometimes we can have an interaction with somebody and never look in their eyes. Practice this month's vision tip and take a moment to look into the eyes of each person you meet.

Of course, I don't mean for you to stare at the other person. Simply make the effort to connect through your eyes.

Often we forget to do this or we feel uncomfortable, or we are worried that it might offend or make the other person anxious.

Go beyond these limiting thoughts and take a moment to look - and really SEE - each person.

Remember, the eyes are the windows to the soul.

2. Q&A: How Can I Get More Comfortable at the Computer?

Positioning yourself correctly in front of the computer will go a long way toward greater computing health, comfort, and productivity.

Incorrect posture, sitting in the wrong position, and improper relationships between the hands, wrists, and elbows are contributing factors to repetitive strain injuries. More seriously, bad habits at the computer can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain and deteriorating vision.

Here are some tips to keep your body and eyes comfortable:

1. Sit upright and use a chair that supports the natural curvature of your spine and lower back. The bottom of your thighs should be supported by the seat, your knees level with or slightly below your thighs, your feet uncrossed on the floor or on a footrest.

2. Sit so your eyes are 18 to 24 inches away from the screen.

3. Sit at a height so your eyes are six to eight inches above the center of the screen.

4. Your wrists should be level with or slightly below your elbows.

5. Your fingers should be level with or slightly below your wrists.

6. Your arms should be low enough so you can drop and relax your shoulders.

Practice these tips. It’s possible to leave your computer more energized and relaxed than when you first sat down!

3. The Vision Challenge: This Month's Winner (of a $50 Gift Certificate)

Despite starts and stops and without a regular schedule, Malinda Anderson kept with The Program for Better Vision until her astigmatism disappeared. Six years ago, at 57, her eye doctor told her she was a candidate for a retinal detachment. (Her nearsighted prescription was -5.25, with astigmatism) When she asked what she should do, he told her if she saw sparks go to the emergency room.

Instead, she took things into her own hands. She started The Program for Better Vision. Over time, she has reduced the prescription on her eyeglasses a half dozen times. Now her prescription is only -1.75 and her astigmatism is gone. "My doctor feels that I am no longer in danger of retinal detachment because the shape of my eyes has changed," she says.

At 63, Malinda wears her glasses part of the time (mostly for driving and TV), her acuity and depth perception have improved, her eyes are more relaxed, and the vision headaches she used to get are rare. Her goal remains 20/20 vision.

Congratulations, Malinda!

Tell us about the success you're having. You could be the next Vision Challenge Winner! Just reply to this email and tell us your story.

Visit www.bettervision.com and find everything for your eyes. . .naturally.

Copyright (c) 2005 Cambridge Institute for Better Vision.
All Rights Reserved.
Box 250, Topsfield, MA 01983, 1-978-887-3883.