Hart Charts training
Goal
To improve accommodation flexibility and amplitude (how well your eyes can shift focus between far and near objects).
1). Accommodation Flexibility (Hart Chart Jumps)
You’ll need:
1 large Hart chart placed on a wall at eye level
1 small Hart chart to hold in your hand
Instructions:
1). Setup:
- Stand at least 3 meters from the wall chart.
- Hold the small chart at 40 cm from your eye.
2). Cover one eye (start with your right or left eye).
3). Begin the exercise:
a).Read the first line on the far chart (wall).
b).Then immediately read the first line on the near chart (in your hand).
c).Then the second line on the far chart, followed by the second line on the near chart, and so on.
✅ This trains your eye to relax (distance) and accommodate (near) quickly.
Increase difficulty:
- Alternate between one letter at a time:
→ 1 letter far, 1 letter near, 2nd letter far, 2nd letter near, etc.
→ This increases the speed and demand of focusing shifts. Switch eyes and repeat Steps 2–3.
Use both eyes
Repeat Steps 3–4 with both eyes open.
Duration:
Aim for 2 minutes per eye, then 2 minutes with both eyes.
Progression (Increase near demand):
Once 2 minutes is comfortable, bring the near chart closer:
30 cm → 20 cm → 10 cm
You may go even closer until the letters blur.
This point is your blur endpoint. Hold the card just behind this point and repeat the exercise.
2). Accommodation Amplitude
You’ll need:
Only the near chart
Instructions:
Cover one eye.
Hold the chart at 40 cm and slowly bring it closer to your eye.
Stop when the letters become blurry.
Blink once to check if the blur is due to dryness.
If the letters remain blurry, this is your blur endpoint.
Move back to 40 cm and repeat the process, trying to reach the same endpoint.
➡ With time and practice, you should be able to bring the chart closer before blurring starts—showing improved focusing strength.
Increase difficulty:
Bring the chart closer than before – to increase the blur endpoint.
Hold the chart at the blur endpoint for a longer duration of time.
- Use smaller font on the near chart.
General Tips and Training Regime
- Get into a routine. Training once a week will not do anything. You have to do these exercises each day!
Start with 5 minutes at least once a day.
Start in the evenings so that the eyes are not tired during the day.
Gradually build up to 10+ minutes as your eyes become stronger.
- Train more often: 2-3 times each day.
Mild eye strain or headaches may occur in the beginning—this is normal and means the exercises are actually working the eye muscles!