Dien ~

> I have read that some experts say that TV
> may have a "hypnotic" effect, so

I keep a file on Television. One recent article talked about video screens - specifically video games and television teach children to watch things without moving their eyes. Later it is assummed that this leads to problems with reading since the eyes aren't used to making the side-to-side movements.

I think there could be some validity to this. Coupled with the long hours many spend in front of various games. I'm not that up on the reading habits of children other than my own. Let's just say there aren't any problems there. Even when I worked for a corporation it amazed me how few people could actually take a document or stack of documents and digest the contents to truly understand what was there. I've linked to a wonderful book on the subject of extracting information from books below.

Back to eye movements - I became very aware of my eyes and eye movements when I studied "The Bates Method for Vision Improvement". After using the method my eyesight improved, my prescription weakened, and I no longer require glasses for my drivers license. Most importantly far less tired after being on the computer. So it does work. My wife's prescription is getting weaker as well.

Bates book "Better Eyesight Without Glasses" had a large section on how school can be hard on the eyes and the strains involved in learning in the early grades. Not quite what I thought it would be but very interesting. The book was written in the 40's and it would be interesting to hear Dr. Bates opinions on TV and Video Games.

~ Dan Butler


How to Read A Book...