[originaltext] Today school children in many countries have high rates of fa

Today school children in many countries have high rates of failing eyesight. Two methods have been proposed to prevent near-sightedness, one Western and one Chinese. The Western method was developed by Mr. Bates, a British actor, in the early part of last century. He trained people to relax their eyes frequently during a period of intense reading. His methods included covering open eyes with the palms of the hands and looking at distant objects by moving the eyes from side to side instead of staring at them. Bates also encouraged school children to look frequently at a calendar on the wall of the classroom to relax their eyes. A famous British writer even wrote a book on the beneficial effects of the Bates’ method for his vision.
    The traditional Chinese method involves pressing certain points around the eyes with the fingers. This also relaxes excessive tension in eye muscles, it is best done by doctors trained in traditional Chinese medicine, but it can also be done by students themselves.
    Teachers and parents should encourage pupils to relax their eyes frequently while reading and studying.