The retina of each eye forms an image of what is seen, but the brain only recognizes one image being viewed because it fuses the two images into one. This fusion is only possible if the images formed by both eyes are alike in size and clarity. If one eye is not as healthy as the other, the brain confuses the images and only concentrates on the image created by one eye. The image created by the unhealthy eye is suppressed. Exercising the eyes can help them focus faster and can improve sports performance.
Brock String Test
This test requires a length of thin rope or string and three buttons or beads. It should be performed first without aids like glasses or contact lenses and then with the corrective vision aids. To perform the test, tie one end of the string or rope to the doorknob and place the beads or buttons at 6 inches, 18 inches and 4 feet from the anchored end of the rope. Stand 12 feet from the doorknob; hold the string tight to the end of the nose. Look at the button or bead closest to the eye. The Eye Exercises for Good Vision website suggests that two strings should be visible, crossing exactly at the first bead or button being viewed. Repeat the exercise while focusing on each successive button or bead.
Focus Speed Test
Thread a 6-foot piece of string with two red balls and two white balls 12 inches apart. Make sure the red ball is the first ball from the eye. Attach the end of the string to a solid-colored stationary object at nose level. Hold the loose end of the string to the end of your nose. Focus on the third bead from your nose. Hold this focus until the beads appear to form an "X." Once the "X" appears, shift your focus to the second first red ball until it comes into focus, then shift your vision to the back to the original bead, allowing it to appear to form an "X." Continue until the speed of focus improves.
Double Bead Fixations
This exercise for athletes requires two 3-to-60 foot long strings with two beads on each string. Attach one end of each string about 1 foot apart to a stationary object. The strings should be attached 6 inches below eye level. Hold both strings to the end of your nose. Alternate looking at the farthest bead of one string until the strings appear to form an "X." Hold this for a count of 4. Look at the bead on the end of the string until the two strings intersect forming a "V." Hold focus on the "V" for a count of four. Repeat the exercise by focusing on the beads of the other string.
