Vision Improvement Crash Course

Core Ideas

• Focus on the fundamentals, not the overwhelming details.
• Journey began in May 2019, with improvements of 0.75 to 1 diopters per year.
• Mistakes provide experience.
• Active in community support via Discord and Myopia Wiki.
• Free online resources are sufficient; coaching is not necessary.
• Cost of vision improvement includes buying glasses as eyesight changes.

Myopia Progression and Debunking Myths

• Optometry industry provides vague reasons for myopia like screen use and genetics.
• Historical data from the 19th century shows low myopia prevalence, debunking the genetic argument.
• Genetics: Traits evolve over millions of years, not centuries.

How Myopia Progresses

• Ciliary muscle: Contracts for close-up work, causing pseudomyopia over time.
• Glasses can induce myopia by increasing axial length of the eyeball.
• Cycle: Increasing glasses prescription -> axial length increases -> stronger glasses needed.
• Vision improvement process involves reversing this cycle with weaker lenses.

Four Fundamentals of Vision Improvement

1. Good close-up habits: Avoid ciliary muscle lock-up.
2. Normalized glasses: Slightly under-corrected glasses for daily activities.
3. Active focus: Technique to clear vision and reduce blur.
4. Distance vision: Regular activities to use distance vision.

Understanding Diopters

• Negative diopters: For myopia.
• Spherical diopters (sph): Overall myopia correction.
• Cylindrical diopters (cil): For astigmatism.

Types of Glasses

• Normalized glasses: Slightly under-corrected for general use.
• Differential glasses: Very under-corrected, only for close-up work.
• Full-strength glasses: For perfect vision when necessary (e.g., driving).

Vision Improvement Techniques

Active Focus

• Clear distance blur by focusing and relaxing the eyes.
• Beginners: May take time to figure out active focus.

Distance Vision Activities

• Incorporate regular outdoor activities (walks, audiobooks).
• Daily goal: 2-3 hours of outdoor distance vision.

Measuring Improvements

• Use a Snellen eye chart: Check clarity before reducing prescription.
• Centimeter measurements: Track distance to blur.
• Auto refractors and optometrist tests: Provide trends over time.

Purchasing Glasses

• Online vs. local optometrist: Based on convenience, cost, and support.

Final Tips

• Stick to fundamentals: Good close-up habits, normalized glasses, active focus, and distance vision.
• Consistent measurement: Ensure progress and correct any missteps.
• Continuous learning: Explore resources on end myopia, forums, and other people's experiences.

Summary

• Long-term vision improvement requires commitment to the fundamentals and continuous measurement to track progress. Active focus and incorporating distance vision in daily activities are crucial for reversing myopia.