The Short Swing

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Better Eyesight
A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Prevention and Cure of Imperfect
Sight Without Glasses
Copyright, 1921, by the Central Fixation Publishing Company
Editor, W. H. Bates, M. D.
Publisher, Central Fixation Publishing Company
Vol. VIII. - July, 1923 - No. 1

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The Short Swing
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Many people with normal sight can demonstrate the short swing
readily. They can demonstrate that with normal vision each small
letter regarded moves from side to side about a quarter of an inch or
less. By an effort they can stop this short swing, and when they are
able to demonstrate that, the vision becomes imperfect almost
immediately. Practicing the long swing brings a measure of relaxation
and makes it possible for those with imperfect sight to see things
moving with a shorter swing. It is a good thing to have the help of
someone who can practice the short swing successfully. Ask some friend
who has perfect sight without glasses, in each eye to practice the
variable swing as just described, which is a help to those with
imperfect sight who have difficulty in demonstrating the short swing.
Nearsighted patients usually can demonstrate that when the vision
is perfect, the diamond type at the reading distance, one letter
regarded is seen continuously with a slow, short, easy swing not wider
than the diameter of the letter. By staring the swing stops and the
vision becomes imperfect. It is more difficult for a nearsighted
person to stop the swing of the fine print, letter O, than it is to
let it swing. When the sight is very imperfect, it is impossible to
obtain the short swing. Many people have difficulty in maintaining
mental pictures of any letter or any object. They cannot demonstrate
the short swing with their eyes closed until they become able to
imagine mental pictures.

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