Swing Windows 2.0 is a small application which enables the window you're working on to move gently through various angles and geometric shapes. With the new 'Mouse Follow' feature it is now possible to easily use the mouse to select text and objects, and it is just as simple to type as if the window were stationary. You can also use larger movements for more specialized tasks to help get your eyes moving.

"The world moves. Let it move. All objects move if you let them. Do not interfere with this movement, or try to stop it. This cannot be done without an effort which impairs the efficiency of the eye and mind."

Wm H. Bates M.D.

Instructions:

Download Swing Windows 2.0 here

Unzip the file and double click on SWsetup.exe. Follow the instructions in the installation procedure to install, and for specitic instructions on how to operate the program controls, check out the help file

- How to Use Swing Windows 2.0 to Help Your Vision
Swing Windows 2.0 | How to use | Head Swing and Optical Swing | Top

One of the most basic aims of the Bates method is in helping people to break the habit of staring - rigid fixing of the eyes on a point, for the purpose of forcing the vision to work. The reason computers have such a reputation for creating eyesight difficulties is because they often encourage this kind of use of the eyes, and by the end of the day many people find their eyes are very tired, achy and sore.

Swings are a major part of the Bates method for learning to use the eyes well. In short, they simply help to break up the pervasive habit of staring.

However, people respond differently to the swings. Depending on the degree of refractive error of the eyes, swings can be a challenge - the higher the refraction, the more likely that the person will find using the swing windows difficult.

In order to help overcome any obstacles, firstly understand that the swing is a skill that can be learned, and as with any skill, take things slowly and in bite-size chunks!

• If you experience unpleasant feelings at any point, stop and rest your eyes by closing them or palming.
  
• Set the swinging window up to make small, smooth and slow
  movements
  
• Follow the movement by turning your head, so that your nose follows the window and your eyes follow the place at which your nose is pointing.
  
• Don't try to focus on text that is swinging. Let the movement be of interest in itself.
  
• As you watch the swinging window, tell yourself consciously to let it move - this helps the mind to accept the movement.
  
• Oppositional movement - If you are feeling comfortable, start to notice the surrounding items on the screen, and objects in the background. If you're letting the movement be easy and comfortable, you may start noticing the background objects appear to move in the opposite direction.
  
• Bring your mind's focus back to the content of the swinging window - you can then try working with the window moving.
  
• Alternatively, try increasing the movement and using different angles and speeds. You may find that there's a particular motion that seems to be most relaxing. Just play with it and try things out!
  
• Remember: If you experience unpleasant sensations, stop and rest your eyes, or close the swinging windows application, and come back to it later.

Swing Windows 2.0 - Head Swing and Optical Swing
Swing Windows 2.0 | How to use | Head Swing and Optical Swing | Top

Head Swing and Optical Swing

In the instructions above I said: "Follow the movement by turning your head, so that your nose follows the window and your eyes follow the place at which your nose is pointing."

This is known as a 'head swing'. You can also experiment by reducing the amount of head movement and thus allowing the eyes to move independently from your head - known as the optical swing. Seeing the illusion of oppositional movement is usually more difficult with the optical swing, however, if you can gently work at it, it affords a deeper degree of relaxation.

 

Kevin Wooding © 2003

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