Myopia
Myopia or shortsightedness refers to difficulty in seeing objects at a distance. The light rays coming into the eyes are supposed to converge at a particular point on retina. However in myopia they start converging much ahead of retina, as a result of which the person has blurred vision of distant objects but clear vision of near objects.
Causes
Excessive use of the eyes, studying or reading in dim light, excessive use of computers, lack of eye exercises, improper diet and nutrition are some causes of myopia. Heredity is also a factor.
Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Unclear vision of near objects
Consultation on Call
Ayurvedic View
From Ayurvedic point of view, vision defects imply derangement of doshas. Alochak pitta that resides in eyes is resposible for vision. Vitiation of this pitta causes vision problems. Causes like excess use of eyes increase vata which then weakens the structures in eyes. Because of causes like lack of proper diet, alochak pitta and dhatus (tissues) in eyes do not receive proper nourishment and therfore fail to perform their functions properly. Improper food, hampered digestion etc may produce toxins which can block the channels and cause malnourishmment of optic tissues. So Ayurvedic treatment of optical problems includes balancing the body energies in addition to therapies that clear eye blockages, nourish and strengthen the optical nerves and tissues to enhance vision.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
- Protecting eyes from excess strain, dim light and other causes helps in reducing chances of getting myopia.
- Using suitable eye drops and doing eye exercises reduces strain of eyes, improves their health and keeps vision intact for years. Ayurvedic therapies like Netratarpan also do the same.
- Carrots, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, almonds etc which contain vitamin A and C are supposed to be good for eyes and vision. So including them is food is wise things to do.
- Doing eye exercises from Yoga is beneficial for eyes.
Home Remedies
- Keep cotton soaked in rose water over your eyes every day. It helps remove eye strain, nourishes optic tissues, protects vision, and pacifies vata and pitta.
- Prepare a solution of cow’s urine, neem and honey and apply it as an eye drop.
- Bathe your eyes with lukewarm pure ghee once in a week to cure eye problems and nourish optic tissues.