Writing:Theory for battling Blur Adaptation

What is blur adaptation

Blur Adaptation or as often referred to in the EM community "Blur Habituation" occurs when an individual has either never worn correction, has not worn correction for a long time or has gone excessively under corrected for a long time. This is problematic when approaching the EM method because Active Focus generally requires that the visual cortex has a concept of clarity in order to achieve it. Additionally, one cannot clear blur they do not perceive to be present.

So what do I do?

In truth it isn't likely that your eyes will improve without a better reference for clarity to work with. You are going to need some corrections to leverage this method, though that might prove tricky. There are two problems common to blur adapted individuals.

The first issue is that going from no correction to full correction can be uncomfortable in some cases intolerable. This can be resolved by moving up in stages. Time to get on that online retailer site of your choosing, because this is going to be a bit of guess work. I would say go with up to three corrections at this point, and make them your best guesses, It is not a great idea to get too far ahead of yourself. Also by the time you are ready to order again it is very possible you will have a much better understanding with witch to make your future selections. Do be certain to have a system in place to label your corrections so as to avoid confusion of your corrections as you go. If you are ordering the same frames add a request to include a label with each pair of glasses. I would suggest you try roughly half what your full correction is, as a starting point. Then order in increments of not more than a diopter per step to reach that full correction. As it is never wise to change corrections too often; an acclimation period of 4-6 weeks is advised. Once you get to the point you find a good differential remember to keep them as you introduce new higher diopters for distance, this will be the point you begin to more fully engage in the EM method by switching between two focal planes to maximize stimulus and minimize strain. As you can see this is going to be a bit of a process, but when you remember you are going to spend the rest of your life with your eyes I think you will agree that it is worth it.

The second issue is that many people who are blur adapted can't see 20/20 in any correction, that is ok for the moment, sort out how to get close now and later shift your standard for clarity. While it is ideal to get the visual cortex up to 20/20 before trying to come back down in diopter, a temporary goal of 20/30-20/40 is still better than suffocating in blur if you truly can not achieve 20/20.

In the meantime, while you not only wait for those new corrections to arrive but begin working your way up to that full correction you may be able to release some if not all of your ciliary spasm with some changes in your habits and a good amount of outdoor time that engages your vision. Please note gazing off into the distance is not likely going to cut it for engaging with you vision. It is a good idea to rather play spotter games (even if it is just with yourself), seek details and track movement. It is also a good idea to work on peripheral awareness. This can be accomplished by staring straight ahead then taking inventory of everything you can see that is not directly in that center portion of focus, remember no moving your head or eyes here. Later try fixing you eyes on a point ahead as you walk and track objects in your periphery as you walk, ideally not near any hazards as this may take a fair amount of your attention in the beginning. If you are able to release spasm while you are working your way up, you might find yourself at a 20/20 correction sooner than expected.

Big Tip Time

It is also good to remember small sustainable changes is the most effective way to build good habits, don't try to change everything today. Pick up to three things to change this week and with those in place build from there.

Also if your are helping a child with this be certain to never turn this process into a chore or what may be perceived as a punishment. While you of course mean well, it is unfair to change all the rules at once and your child's cooperation is essential to success. Child myopia is an issue that needs to be addressed with patience and finesse, incorporating focus games for kids will be helpful, though these games are not just for kids :D.

Disclaimer!! EndMyopia neither encourages nor condones driving with under correction that does not at least meet if not exceed local legal guideline, most frequently 20/40.