How to Improve Your Vision & Functional Eye Fitness - With Dr. Bryce Appelbaum
Digest
This podcast episode features Dr. Bryce Applebaum discussing vision health, emphasizing the critical distinction between eyesight (image clarity) and vision (eye movement, brain processing, spatial awareness). He explains that many vision problems are actually brain-based issues. Dr. Applebaum cites excessive screen time as a major contributor to problems like nearsightedness and dry eye syndrome, also noting the roles of genetics and lack of outdoor time. The podcast explores the connection between vision problems and learning disabilities such as ADHD and dyslexia, highlighting how vision issues are often misdiagnosed as behavioral problems. Vision training techniques, including customized programs and "visual brain training," are discussed, focusing on improving eye muscle function and brain processing. Dr. Applebaum introduces his ScreenFit program, an online vision training program designed to alleviate digital eye strain and improve visual skills. A listener shares a positive experience with intermittent fasting. The podcast concludes with thanks to listeners and a promise of continued empowering content.
Outlines

Introduction to Vision Health and Dr. Applebaum's Background
The podcast introduces vision health, the increasing prevalence of vision problems, and the difference between eyesight and vision. Dr. Bryce Applebaum, the guest expert, is introduced and shares his personal experience with vision challenges.

Eyesight vs. Vision and Causes of Vision Problems
Dr. Applebaum clarifies the distinction between eyesight and vision, emphasizing the brain's role in vision. He identifies screen time, genetics, and lack of outdoor time as major contributors to vision problems.

Vision Problems, Learning Disabilities, and Vision Training
The podcast explores the link between vision problems and learning difficulties like ADHD and dyslexia. Vision training techniques, including "visual brain training," are discussed as a means to improve eye muscle function and brain processing.

ScreenFit Program and Listener Experience
Dr. Applebaum introduces his ScreenFit program, an online vision training program. A listener shares their positive experience with intermittent fasting.

Closing Remarks
The host expresses gratitude to listeners and promises continued delivery of empowering content.
Keywords
Vision Training
Exercises and therapies to improve eye muscle function, coordination, and brain processing related to vision. Addresses issues like nearsightedness, dry eye, and learning disabilities.
Functional Vision
The complex interplay of eye movements, brain processing, and spatial awareness that contributes to overall visual perception and performance. Distinct from simple eyesight.
Myopia
Nearsightedness; a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry. Increasing rates are linked to increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity.
Screen Time
Time spent using digital devices; a significant contributor to vision problems due to prolonged near-focus, reduced blinking, and exposure to blue light.
Digital Eye Strain
Eye discomfort and fatigue caused by prolonged use of digital devices. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes.
Neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Vision training leverages this to improve visual function.
Learning Disabilities
Conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia that can be linked to underlying vision problems.
ScreenFit Program
An online, do-it-yourself vision training program designed to improve visual skills and address common digital eye strain issues.
Eyesight vs. Vision
Clarification of the difference between simple image clarity and the complex interplay of eye function and brain processing.
Intermittent Fasting
A listener's positive experience with this dietary approach is mentioned in relation to overall health and well-being.
Q&A
What is the difference between eyesight and vision?
Eyesight refers to the clarity of the image, while vision encompasses eye movement, brain processing, and spatial awareness. Vision problems are often brain problems, not just eye problems.
How does screen time negatively impact vision?
Excessive screen time leads to prolonged near-focus, reduced blinking (causing dry eyes), and exposure to blue light, all contributing to nearsightedness, eye strain, and other issues.
How can vision training help with learning disabilities like ADHD and dyslexia?
Many symptoms of ADHD and dyslexia stem from underlying vision problems. Vision training can improve visual skills needed for reading and learning, addressing the root cause of these difficulties.
What are some practical vision training exercises?
The podcast mentions "I-pushups" and near-far focus exercises as examples. The ScreenFit program provides a structured approach.
What can I expect from the ScreenFit program?
ScreenFit is a do-it-yourself online program with lessons designed to improve visual skills related to reading, driving, and screen use. It helps build a strong visual foundation for better overall performance.
What is the overall tone of this podcast?
The tone is informative, positive, and encouraging.
Show Notes
Today, we indisputably spend more time indoors looking at screens than ever before in human history. How is this massive change in environment impacting our biology and changing our vision? That’s what you’re going to uncover on this episode of The Model Health Show. Today’s guest, Dr. Bryce Appelbaum is a neuro-optometrist who is passionate about teaching how you can unlock your potential through optimizing your vision. He is the founder and CEO of MyVisionFirst and the creator of the eye training program, ScreenFit. In this conversation, Dr. Appelbaum is sharing the fascinating science of retraining and rewiring the eye-brain connection. In this conversation, you’re going to learn about what vision actually encompasses, how our modern world is deteriorating our eyesight, and how to use eye training to optimize your vision in our screen-dominant culture. You’ll also hear my personal experience with testing and improving my vision, and how you can build healthier visual habits. I hope you enjoy this interview with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum!
In this episode you’ll discover:
- Dr. Appelbaum’s personal history that inspired his career.
- The difference between eyesight and vision.
- How a fetus’ eyes develop.
- The connection between vision and movement.
- What 20/20 vision means.
- How screentime is ruining the connection between our eyes and brains.
- What the average adult’s screentime is.
- Why nearsightedness is becoming more prevalent.
- How your blinking patterns change during screentime.
- What percentage of Americans experience digital eye strain.
- How vision problems affect students in the classroom.
- What you should consider if your eye prescription worsens each year.
- How vision training works.
- What the 20-20-20 rule is.
- How to regain vision functionality.
- What eye pushups are.
- The importance of light exposure for healthy vision.
- Tips for improving the quality of your screentime.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Organifi.com/Model - Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off + free shipping!
DrinkLMNT.com/model - Get a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any order!
Themodelhealthshow.com/screenfit - Use code MODEL for $200 off ScreenFit!
Can Intermittent Fasting Reset & Improve Your Metabolism? - Listen to episode 885!- Connect with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum Website / Instagram / YouTube
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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Organifi and LMNT.
Organifi makes nutrition easy and delicious for everyone. Take 20% off your order with the code MODEL at organifi.com/model.
Head to DrinkLMNT.com/model to claim a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any purchase.




