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How to Train Your Eyes & Rewire Your Brain for Better Eyesight, Sharper Focus, Improved Memory & Less Stress with Dr Bryce Appelbaum #576

Sep 9, 2025 1h 58m 15 insights
When we think about improving our health, we often think about changing our diet, increasing how much we move, improving the quality of our sleep and lowering stress, but how many of us think about ‘working’ on our vision? Every day, many of us experience symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, headaches or poor concentration - and never realise that our eyes might be playing a central role . This week, I’m delighted to welcome Dr Bryce Appelbaum, a pioneering neuro-optometrist who believes that vision is our most overlooked and underutilised tool for improving how we feel, think and function. Bryce is a board-certified Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and founder of MyVisionFirst , where he and his team combine vision therapy with principles from occupational therapy, physical therapy and holistic wellness. Bryce’s expertise includes reorganising the visual brain after concussion, correcting developmental visual delays that interfere with reading and learning and enhancing visual skills to elevate athletic performance. In this incredible conversation, we discuss: Why eyesight and vision are not the same, and why most eye tests are missing a vital part of the picture How visual processing affects everything from focus and mood to movement, memory and resilience The hidden visual problems that are often left undiagnosed in both children and adults, and how these can impact learning, behaviour and emotional regulation The neurological impact of concussion and trauma on the visual system, and how it can be rehabilitated Why our screen habits are damaging not just our eyes but our brains - and how to reverse the effects The power of “vision therapy” to rewire the brain and transform quality of life Practical strategies to reduce digital eye strain and support visual health, even if you only have a few minutes a day Many of us don’t realise just how much our vision influences how we think, perform. In a screen-heavy world, Bryce’s insights show that with the right tools, we can train our eyes and brain to support better health, learning and quality of life at any age. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our
Actionable Insights

1. Take Regular Vision Breaks

Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away, to reduce eye strain and fatigue from screens.

2. Practice Near-Far Eye Push-ups

Cover one eye, extend your thumb, slowly bring it close until blurry, hold clear for 5 seconds, then look far for 5 seconds; repeat for 2 minutes per eye daily to build focusing stamina and flexibility.

3. Perform Daily Eye Stretches

Cover one eye, look up, down, left, right, and diagonally, holding each position for 5 seconds, to calm the nervous system and improve eye flexibility.

4. Engage in Peripheral Pointing

While looking straight ahead with one eye covered, pick an object in your side vision without moving your eye, point to it, then check your accuracy; this actively opens up your periphery and reduces tunnel vision.

5. Get Natural Light Daily

Spend time outdoors, especially first thing in the morning and last thing before bed, to expose your eyes to natural blue light, which helps regulate circadian rhythms and mood.

6. Seek Root Cause for Vision

Instead of only treating symptoms like blurry eyesight with corrective lenses, proactively investigate and address the underlying functional vision problems and their causes.

7. Consider Functional Vision Assessment

For children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, or learning disabilities, or adults experiencing brain fog, fatigue, or motion sickness, seek a functional vision assessment as these often have a treatable visual component.

8. Use Weakest Corrective Lenses

If glasses or contact lenses are necessary, opt for the weakest possible prescription that provides adequate vision, to encourage your eyes and brain to work more naturally.

9. Address Myopia Risk Factors

To slow or prevent nearsightedness progression, increase time outdoors in natural sunlight, ensure good lighting for near work, and reduce prolonged near visual stress from screens.

10. Delay Reading Glasses

Avoid immediately resorting to over-the-counter reading glasses when age-related near vision changes occur, as this can stop the system from being used; instead, try eye exercises to maintain flexibility.

11. Improve Movement with Gaze

When walking or running, practice a soft, wide gaze (accessing peripheral vision) rather than focusing narrowly ahead, as this can improve spinal alignment, reduce impact forces, and enhance breathing.

12. Rehabilitate Post-Injury Vision

If you have experienced a head injury, minor or major, consider vision rehabilitation, as vision is almost always impacted and can be rewired even decades later to reestablish function.

13. Try ScreenFit Online Program

Utilize the ScreenFit online vision training program (available with a discount at screenfit.com/livemore) to build visual foundations and combat screen fatigue and digital eye strain in just 10 minutes a day.

14. Question Vision Care Norms

Challenge the conventional medical approach to vision by asking ‘why’ changes are occurring and exploring possibilities beyond standard corrective lenses, to unlock greater visual potential.

15. Recognize Vision’s Brain Impact

Understand that vision is a direct reflection of brain function, and problems can contribute to cognitive fatigue, brain fog, and reduced productivity, highlighting the importance of vision health for overall well-being.