Active Focus

What is active focus

Active Focus is an activity central to the EndMyopia method. This activity uses the eyes to resolve small amount of myopic defocus. It is believed that active focus provide the necessary stimulus to reverse the effects of myopia.

As accommodation is an automatic activity, active focusing is not straight forward. While it is easy to move the skeletal muscles of your body, it is not possible to control the ciliary muscles in the same way. However, by careful manipulation of the blur horizon, it is possible to encourage the eyes to push slightly harder to achieve focus. It is important to introduce appropriate amounts of blur challenge, so that it is not too great for the eyes to resolve, yet not so little that it is not noticeable.

The use of normalized and differential glasses as opposed to full correction glasses provides convenient access to a blur horizon. It is recommended to do 3 hours of active focus throughout the day for maximum benefit. Therefore, it is important to incorporate active focusing to your daily routines so that it becomes habitual.

Taking frequent breaks from near visual work to do active focus is critical in preventing ciliary spasm and the worsening of myopia. With consistent practice of active focus, it is estimated that myopia will reverse at a rate of 0.25 diopters every 3 months.

How to find active focus?

To active focus, first set up the necessary conditions to maximize success. These conditions are:

1. Suitable subject that is a symbol or text high in contrast. Examples include license plates, house numbers and signboards in the distance or 12 pt text printed or displayed on a high resolution screen.
2. Use differential or normalized glasses to ensure the subject is in the blur horizon.
3. Optimize the amount of blur challenge, move forward to reduce the blur challenge and move backwards to increase the blur challenge.
4. Be in a comfortable position and stay relaxed, do not stress, do not fuss or be frustrated. It is not necessary to do a lot in the same time.

Once these conditions are met, look at the subject and visualize it being clear, then blink. Pay attention if the subject becomes sharp momentarily. If the subject becomes sharp, you have found active focus. Practice often.

On average, it takes about 1 month of persistent trying to find active focus for the first time. Small amount of blur becomes sharp for a short while, ranging from half a second to a few seconds. Initial experiences of successful active focus can include tearing, soreness and stinging sensations. This is believed to be related to the release of ciliary spasm. These experiences only last momentarily and do not cause any harm. With practice, active focus will becomes second nature and feel natural.

Common challenges

My vision doesn't clear up when I look at blurry objects!

The blur challenge is too strong. Move closer to the subject.

The subject clears up and stays clear. This is great!

While it's great that you are clearing blur, consider attempting a greater blur challenge by moving further away from the subject or choose a further subject.

My vision is only clear if I keep blinking!

Continuous blinking is not active focus. If you find that blinking helps, you may have dry eyes. Blinking creates tear film on the surface of the eye, increasing the power of the cornea. It is recommended to resolve your dry eyes as it can interfere with active focus.

My vision is not improving!

It took many years for you to develop myopia, it will take your eyes some time to reverse the process. Active focus often, avoid bad eye habits and have some patience.

Community Resources on Activ Focus

A little bit of everything

Beyond the Blur Horizon

Mindful viewing

Paint the blurry letters with your eyes

Putting yourself to sleep by not trying to find rare loot