ARE YOUR EYES LOOKING AT THE SAME SPOT?

People are often surprised when they realize that they are not looking at what they think they are looking at. As a result, their vision is not as clear as they would like it to be. You know by now that the fovea centralis has to be focussed on the point of interest in order for the point to be seen with absolute clarity. If the foveal focus is somewhere else, then the point of interest falls into the zone of the less clear vision. It also prevents seeing the world in 3D, judging distance, speed and other skills that depend on excellent fusion. So, let’s make sure that your aiming skills are top notch.

To evaluate this skill, you will need to use a string/cord with a bead.

 

LET’S PRACTICE

 

STRING CROSS

This is a somewhat advanced practice that leads to eye alignment and correct fusion of the two images that are coming from each eye. If there is a vast difference between the acuity of your left and right eyes, skip this practice and come back to it at the end of the module, or once you bring the acuity of both eyes to about the same level.

  • Attach your brock string in front of you with the far end of the string below your eye level. The string will be viewed with a slightly downwards slope

  • Place a bead on the brock string at a distance at which you can see it clearly

  • Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed and bring the brock string to your nose. Do not lean forward or back, towards or away from the string. Then look at the bead

  • Become aware of the string splitting into two strings in front of and behind the bead. Be aware of the two strings crossing right at the bead, at your point of focus. As if the string formed an X with the bead right in the center

  • Both strings should look about the same, be of the same thickness and clarity

  • If you see this, then move the bead to a new distance and observe the same

Practice Lenses: no lenses

Tips & Watch outs:

  • First test this technique at a few distances to see if there is one that is the closest to the described scenario. Once you find that distance, start your practice there and only move the bead after you succeed reliably.

  • Does each string have a different thickness or clarity? Look at the string with each eye separately and remember what it looks like, then look at it with both eyes together. Repeat many times.

  • Do the strings cross before or after the bead? Close your eyes and imagine the strings crossing at the bead. Then open your eyes and look at the bead. Do not stare. Do not try to hold the image. Even a minor improvement is a win! Repeat many times.

  • Is there only one string? Work on activating your eyes, one of your eyes is most likely not contributing to your seeing.

  • Can you not see the bead clearly from any distance? Work on your acuity first.

  • If after a while you realize that this is too difficult, you should work on eye activation first (for example the Ball at a Target technique) and ensure you are able to imagine with your eyes closed (or even open). The lack of either of these skills will make your practice significantly more difficult.