"It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness."

                                           The Christophers 


                         Foreword


     Ophthalmologists, optometrists and research workers are
responsible for the second opinion presented in this book, that
nearsightedness (myopia) is as much, if not greatly more, due to
environment (and avoidable) than heredity (unavoidable).

     The essence of avoiding myopia is using a plus lens (a mild
magnifying glass, as in reading glasses required by older people)
before the eye becomes seriously nearsighted.

     If the approach advocated in this book is to work properly,
you must take full responsibility to develop a clear understanding
of the normal eye's behavior.  In addition, you must personally
implement the practical method of prevention.  In this situation
we can only offer the student of science an accurate picture of
existing practices, as well as an education about the fundamental
behavioral characteristic of the normal eye.  This approach will
put you in full control of your visual welfare.

     The author has demonstrated a depth of understanding of the
problems and limits that occur in existing health practice.  With
good judgment, and personal effort, it is highly probable that you
can avoid nearsightedness.



			 Paul E. Romano M.D., M.S.O.
			 Professor of Ophthalmology,
			 University of Florida, Gainesville


		   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


			  ACKNOWLEDGMENT


     Over the past thirty years I have made an exhaustive effort
to review the experimental data that allows us to accurately judge
the eye's behavior.  In this effort I have met many fine
individuals working in the diverse fields of engineering,
ophthalmology, aeronautical education, optometry, and scientific
research.  In addition, I have been assisted by many friends who
have patiently reviewed this analysis and engaged in much
discussion and review.	The writing of this book was possible only
with the assistance of the following individuals:



Paul Romano, MD, University of Florida
Peter Greene, PhD, Harvard University
Karel Montor, PhD, The United States Naval Academy
Dave Guyton, MD, Johns Hopkins University
Alfred Sommers, MD, Johns Hopkins Hospital
James Tielsch, MD, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Lawrence Stark, MD, PhD, Research Scientist
Vera Rollo, PhD, Author, Flight Instructor
William Ludlam, OD, Research Optometrist
Francis Young, PhD, Research Psychologist
Alan Shotwell, OD, Research Optometrist
Stirling Colgate, PhD, Research Scientist, Los Alamos
Howard Howland, PhD, Research Scientist, Cornell University
Maurice Brumer, OD, Research Optometrist
Brian Severson, Professional Pilot
Ron Berger, OD, Child Diagnostics and Treatments Associates


     And last, but most important, I gratefully acknowledge Carol
Brown's support.  She has borne with patience the almost endless
academic discussions about the normal eye's behavior that led to
this book.