Can each of us blur our vision on command? Is it possible for each person, if he wants to, to voluntarily blur the image in front of him? What are we talking about? Usually, a person can focus his vision on anything he focuses on. But it is possible to stop that focus. This happens as a result of the person relaxing his muscles.

Because when you unfocus your eyes, the ciliary muscles in the eyes relax. These are the muscles responsible for the lenses in the eyes. And it’s the lenses that provide clear vision. If you blur, the lenses become distorted and the vision becomes blurred. It’s a unique ability called IBV, intentional blurred vision. Some people can control this ability at will for momentary distraction or for mental escape, for example. It’s basically a little superpower.

Not everyone can do it.

Not everyone has this ability, but most people can induce IBV with a little training. The exact mechanism of this phenomenon is still not fully understood, but several theories attempt to explain it. One possible explanation is just that it is related to the muscles in the eyes, as mentioned.

And why doesn’t everyone have this ability? According to experts, the process can be disrupted by certain medical or visual problems, for example. However, the problem is mostly if you have trouble seeing objects, pictures or written text when you change the distance. If you are not sure whether your eyesight is okay, it is always better to see a doctor.

━━ ( Source: Ion Fet /  Unsplash+ )

How to induce intentional blurring of vision?

Do you want to practice IBV? Then we will advise you some effective steps to help you get started with this visual technique. First , find a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit or lie still. This can be at home, but feel free to do it in nature. The important thing is to feel relaxed.

Then calm yourself with a few deep breaths in and out. Breathe in through your nose and let the air flow into your abdomen. Then slowly exhale through your mouth. This will relax your mind and prepare your body. And then you can start slowly with the eye exercises. After relaxing, focus your gaze on an object in the distance.

An object with details

Something that has details is ideal. A piece of art, a building, a tree… Details will improve your focus and provide a clear reference point. Slowly blur your gaze, then relax your eyes. As you maintain your gaze, you will begin to notice the object blurring slightly. This is a key aspect where the details of the object can soften.

It is a good idea to maintain the state of blurred vision for as long as possible. The goal is to maintain relaxed vision without straining the eyes. Notice how it feels and let your eye muscles relax. Then refocus on the original object. Perfecting it, of course, may take a little practice; it takes persistence.

The link between ADHD and blurred vision

The activity of blurring your vision at will and ADHD are closely related. The main symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are an inability to focus. So if you can’t focus your eyes on command, it’s possible you have ADHD. In fact, according to research, people with this disorder have trouble maintaining attention and can find it really difficult. This is also why most children with ADHD fall behind in their studies.