How to Get Better Eyesight Naturally: Learn 5 Proven Habits for Sharper Vision

As we step into a new year, one of my personal goals is to improve my vision naturally. In a world filled with screens, artificial lighting, and a growing reliance on glasses, this might sound like a tall order. But after exploring insights shared by Dave Asprey—renowned for his innovative approach to optimizing the body’s natural potential—I’ve learned that achieving better eyesight doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

Inspired by his advice, I’m starting 2025 with a plan to sharpen my vision and boost my overall eye health. No pricey gadgets, no invasive treatments—just a few simple, effective habits I’ll be incorporating into my daily routine. Here’s the approach I’m using to improve my eyesight naturally this year—and how you can do the same!

How to Get Better Eyesight Naturally: A Practical Approach That Works

Improving your eyesight naturally might seem like a dream in today’s screen-dominated world. But what if achieving sharper-than-20/20 vision wasn’t just possible—but also simpler than you think?

With guidance from Dave Asprey’s research, I’m diving into easy-to-implement strategies that promise real results. No fancy equipment or drastic changes—just consistent habits that make a difference. You don’t need to settle for strained, blurry vision anymore.

Watch the video below for a detailed breakdown, and keep reading for the step-by-step habits you can start today!

Here’s the Breakdown: Steps and Habits to Improve Your Eyesight Naturally

The first step is to check if your eyes are working together effectively. Did you know your eyes rely on teamwork to provide clear vision? If they’re not working together in harmony, your eyesight can suffer without you even realizing it. Thankfully, there’s a simple test to check this—and it doubles as a powerful exercise to improve eye coordination.

Try this ‘beads on a string’ exercise (also known as the Brock string exercise) or a quick DIY version:

• Grab a string or rope and attach knots or beads at three points—roughly 8 inches, 4 feet, and 8 feet away.
• Secure one end of the string to a doorknob or another stable object. (Feeling creative? Use a camera tripod for extra flair!)
• Hold the other end of the string to the tip of your nose and focus on the closest bead, then the middle, and finally the farthest.

Here’s what to look for: Ideally, you should see two strings crossing at each bead as you shift focus. If one of your eyes isn’t pulling its weight, you might only see one string. This exercise trains your eyes to work together, improving coordination and paving the way for sharper vision.

If you’d like a ready-made Brock string, this one on Amazon is a great option.

Watch How to Do the Brock String Exercise

For a step-by-step demonstration of the Brock string exercise, check out the video below. It’s a helpful visual guide to mastering this technique and understanding how it benefits your vision:

Habit #1: Focus Shifting

Think of your eyes as muscles—they need regular exercise to stay strong and flexible. Focus shifting is a simple yet highly effective way to train your eye muscles and improve their performance.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold your finger in front of your face.
2. Focus on your finger, then shift your focus to something farther away in the background.
3. Switch back and forth, like adjusting a camera lens.

For a variation, try side-to-side focus shifts:

• Pick two objects on the far edges of your vision—one to your left and one to your right.
• Without moving your head, shift your focus between them.

This exercise not only strengthens your eye muscles but also teaches your brain to process shifts in focus more quickly and precisely.

For a visual demonstration of an effective focus-shifting exercise, check out the video below. It guides you through a simple technique to move your eyes back and forth, helping to strengthen your eye muscles and improve your focus. Start watching from the 37-second mark to jump right into the exercise!

Bonus Tip: If you use multiple screens—like a nearby monitor and a screen farther away—practice shifting your focus between them throughout the day to keep your eyes active and sharp.

Habit #2: Block Harmful Blue Light

Blue light is all around us—emitted from phones, computers, and even those harsh office lights. While not all blue light is harmful (some wavelengths help regulate your natural rhythms), excessive exposure to the toxic wavelengths (below 490 NM) can strain your eyes, damage retinal cells, and disrupt your vision over time.

The solution? Block only the harmful rays while keeping the beneficial ones intact. Specialized glasses, like TrueDark, are designed to filter out these toxic wavelengths without overdoing it. By reducing blue light exposure, you’ll minimize digital eye strain and give your eyes the relief they deserve, allowing them to perform at their best.

Pro Tip: Start using blue light blocking glasses during extended screen time or under artificial lighting in the evening to maximize their benefits.

For nighttime use, I personally recommend Swannies blue light blocking glasses, which I wear to protect my eyes and improve sleep quality. If you’re curious about why Swannies are my go-to choice—and want insights on other top brands—check out my in-depth review here.

Swannies Blue Light Blocking Glasses Review

Habit #3: Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy isn’t just for athletes—it can work wonders for your eyes too! This natural therapy targets the mitochondria in your eye cells, helping them regenerate, reduce inflammation, and strengthen over time.

Incorporating red light therapy into your routine is simple:

• Use LED red lights over your closed eyes for a few minutes daily.
• Alternatively, try reading under soft red light for about 10 minutes at night.

For a visual guide on how red light therapy can benefit your eyes and how to use it effectively, watch the video below. It offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you get started:

This gentle practice can rejuvenate your eyes, support overall eye health, and even help combat age-related decline—all without invasive treatments or high costs.

Quick Tip: Look for red light devices designed for eye safety and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal results.

If you’re looking for a trusted and popular red light therapy device that’s suitable for targeting the eyes, this device on Amazon is a great option. It’s highly rated and designed to deliver safe and effective red light therapy for improved eye health and overall wellness.

Habit #4: Eat for Better Eyesight

What you eat has a profound impact on your vision. Certain nutrients, like lutein and zeaxanthin, act as natural sunglasses for your retina, shielding it from harmful blue light and supporting long-term eye health.

Here are some vision-boosting foods to add to your plate:

• Egg yolks – Packed with lutein and zeaxanthin.
• Yellow squash – A colorful, nutrient-dense choice.
• Salmon – A great source of omega-3s, essential for eye health.
• Zucchini – Loaded with antioxidants to protect your eyes.
• Arugula – A leafy green powerhouse of nutrients.

If getting enough of these nutrients from food is a challenge, consider adding high-quality supplements to your routine. I personally use Bulletproof Eye Armor, which is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin and designed to support eye health.

Proper nutrition not only protects your eyes from damage but can also help prevent age-related macular degeneration—a leading cause of vision loss.

Pro Tip: Aim to include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet to cover a broader spectrum of essential nutrients for eye health.

Habit #5: The Bates Method

The Bates Method, developed over a century ago, remains a powerful approach to improving vision naturally. This technique focuses on relaxing and retraining your eyes, helping them function more efficiently.

Here’s a simple Bates Method exercise to try:

1. Draw a small black dot on a sheet of paper.
2. Place the paper a few feet away from you.
3. Focus intently on the dot (this is called central fixation).
4. Relax your eyes and look around the paper without focusing on the dot.
5. Alternate between focusing and relaxing your eyes.

Over time, this practice trains your eyes to focus effortlessly. Many people unknowingly hold tension in their bodies while using their eyes, and this exercise helps release that tension, resulting in sharper and smoother vision.

For a visual guide to the Bates Method and its exercises, check out the video below. It provides valuable insights and a step-by-step demonstration to help you get the most out of this technique:

Pro Tip: Combine this method with other habits, like focus shifting or blue light reduction, to enhance your results even further.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the Bates Method, I recommend the book Better Eyesight Without Glasses. It provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and practicing the Bates Method, making it an excellent resource for improving your vision naturally.

Bonus Habit: Cupping

After a long day of screen time or exposure to harsh lighting, your eyes may feel strained and in need of a reset. Cupping, a soothing technique inspired by Meir Schneider’s work, offers an instant refresh for tired eyes.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Rub your hands together to generate warmth.
2. Place your palms gently over your eyes, with your fingers crossing on your forehead, completely blocking out light.
3. Open your eyes under the cupped palms and take deep, calming breaths for about 30 seconds.

This simple habit reduces eye tension, promotes relaxation, and gives your eyes the break they deserve. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of digital strain.

For a step-by-step demonstration of the cupping technique, check out the video below. It provides a clear guide to mastering this soothing practice:

Pro Tip: Use cupping during work breaks or before bed to help your eyes recover and prepare for the next day.

Why Spending Time Outdoors Helps

Natural sunlight is a powerful ally for your vision. Spending just 20 minutes outside daily—without sunglasses or contacts—exposes your eyes to small amounts of ultraviolet light, which can have significant benefits.

Research shows that natural light helps prevent nearsightedness and supports overall eye health by stimulating healthy eye growth and reducing strain. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours basking in the sun; just a little sunlight each day can make a big difference.

Pro Tip: Pair your outdoor time with a relaxing activity, like a walk or yoga, to give your body and mind a double boost.

Summary: You Can Improve Your Vision

Improving your eyesight naturally doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By incorporating simple habits like focus shifting, blocking harmful blue light, and embracing red light therapy, you can make a tangible difference in your eye health. Pair these with a nutrient-rich diet, the Bates Method, relaxing cupping exercises, and a daily dose of sunlight, and you’ll be well on your way to sharper vision—and possibly even saying goodbye to glasses.

It’s important to remember that natural vision improvement takes time. With consistent effort, a little patience, and a willingness to experiment, the results will come. Start small, stay committed, and enjoy the journey to healthier, stronger eyes—your vision will thank you for it!