When we say "bend the eyes," we are essentially referring to the act of focusing one's gaze or fixing one's eyes on something. There are a number of synonyms for this phrase that can be used to describe the same action in different ways. One common alternative is "fix one's gaze," which implies a particularly intense or determined kind of looking. "Stare" is another word that can be used to describe a prolonged or intense gaze. "Peer" or "scrutinize" both suggest a more careful or analytical kind of looking, while "gaze" or "glimpse" might be used to suggest a more casual or fleeting sort of attention.