Poor eyesight is a common problem in our world. It is of two types–
Nearsightedness
Farsightedness
Poor vision at close distances is one of the most common vision challenges between the ages of 40 and 60. However, this is a normal change with the eye’s ability to focus and may progress with time.
Causes of Defective Eyesight (Drishti Dosha)
According to Ayurveda — Alochaka Pitta is responsible for maintaining eyesight and it weakens with age. Proper care for the eyes is one preventative measure that helps.
- Prolonged constipation and nervous debility can cause Drishti dosha.
- Common cold can also lead to eyesight defects.
- Stress, Diabetes, Excessive smoking, Alcohol intake, Coffee, and Tea are responsible for defective eyesight.
- Watching Computer, Mobile or TV for a long time at once is one of the main causes of myopia (nearsightedness).
- TV should be watched from at least ten feet away — not too near and not too far.
- Proper light is another factor in eye health, Avoid reading or working in either dim light or in bright sunlight.
How to improve eye-sight
There are various methods in Ayurveda to improve eyesight-
- By improving Diet and Lifestyle
- Eye Exercises
- Yoga asana
- Anulom-vilom(Breathing exercises)
- Deep Meditation
Diet
Our eyes require a balanced diet, and multiple nutrients to function properly.
Start with these:
- Vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like copper and zinc are essential for eyesight.
- Antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, protect the macula from sun damage. You can get these antioxidants from dark green leaves, egg yolks, yellow peppers, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
- Foods rich in sulfur, cysteine, and lecithin (garlic, onions, shallots, and capers) help protect the lens of your eye from cataract formation.
- Anthocyanin-rich blueberries, grapes, and goji berries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve your vision.
- DHA is a fatty acid found in cold water fish like wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod.
DHA provides structural support to cell membranes to boost eye health.
- Consuming a good amount of apples and grapes helps in improving your eyesight.
- Almond is ideal for the eyes. It strengthens the vision and calms mental stress.
Lifestyle changes
- Wear sunglasses in bright sunlight
- Do regular exercise or a morning walk. Walk barefoot on green grass.
- Avoid smoking, and excessive intake of alcohol, coffee or tea.
- Massage the scalp and feet with Mustard oil (You can also use Coconut oil, Amla oil or Brahmi oil or castor oil). The oil pulls heat from the eyes and promotes sound sleep.
- Using your thumb knuckles, massage your temples in small circles, 20 times in one direction and 20 in the other. Repeat the same actions above the mid-point of the eyebrows at the forehead, then below the eyes on both sides of the bridge of the nose.
- Take a mini-nap. Put your head back, close your eyes, and relax for 3 minutes.
- Give your eyes a break once an hour during your workday: Rest your eyes 10 minutes for every 50 minutes spent reading or in front of the computer. If your eyes feel tired, lie down and place cooling cucumber slices over your eyelids.
- Each morning upon waking (either before or after using the toilet), fill your mouth with water and hold for a few seconds with your eyes closed. Spit it out and repeat 2-3 times.
- Splash your eyes and face with fresh water 10-15 times. Repeat again in the evening when you return from work or school.
Exercises
Exercises help you maintain optimal vision. Perform these exercises regularly or at a suitable time when your eyes feel fatigued. Make sure that your hands are clean and that your mood is relaxed. Commit to daily practice and you may see better results within one month.
- Warm your eyes-
Rub both palms together quickly for 8-10 seconds. This friction creates mild heat. Close the eyes and gently place the left palm over the left eye and the right palm over the right eye for one minute. Do not press the eyeballs with the palms.
Breathe in and out slowly to release stress. Repeat 2-3 times.
- Sit in the Sukhasana (easy pose) with your legs comfortably crossed and your spine, neck and head in a straight line. Look directly to the front at eye level and breathe normally. Move your eyes upward to the ceiling and stay for two seconds. Look downwards and stay for two seconds. Close your eyes for two seconds. Look toward the right side, as far as your eye will see, for two seconds. Look to the left side for two seconds. Look to the front again. Close your eyes for 6-8 seconds. This completes one round. Start with 2-3 rounds and increase up to five rounds.
- Roll your eyes. Start by looking up and then slowly circle 10 times clockwise and 10 times anticlockwise.
- Focus
Hold a pen at arm’s distance, focus your eyes on it, and slowly bring the pen closer until it’s about 6 inches away from your nose. Then slowly move it back, keeping your eyes focused on the pen, 10 times in all.
- Relax & Meditate
Yogasana
- Bhujang asana (snake pose)
- Surya Namaskara (sun salutation)
- Shav asana (rest pose)
- Shirsh asana
Anulom-viloma–
- Anuloma – Viloma Pranayama
- Kapalbhati Pranayama
- Bhastrika Pranayam
Mantar Chikitsa (Treatment) for Improving Eye sight
CHAKSHUSHMATI VIDYA (MANTRA) FOR EYE PROBLEMS
This is a powerful mantra for the prevention and cure of problems relating to the eyes. Chanting this daily with faith has produced wonderful results in many cases.
Chakshuopanishad.
Asyah chakshushi vidyah
Ahirbudyna rushih gayatri chandah suryo devatha chakshu roga nivruttaye viniyoga
Om Chakshush Chakshush Chakshush tejah sthiro bhav, maam paahi paahi,
twaritam chakshurogaan shamaya shamaya
mam jaataroopam tejo darshay darshay,
yathaaham andho na syaam tathaa kalpay kalpay,
kalyaanam kuru kuru,
yaani mama poorva janmopaarjitaani Chakshush
pratirodhakdushkrutaani,
sarvaani nirmoolay nirmoolay |
Om namashchakshu shtejodaatre divyabhaaskaraay,
Om namah karoonaakaraayaamrutaay,
Om namo bhagavate shree suryaay akshitejase namah,
Om khecharaay namah, mahate namah,
rajase namah, tamase namah,
asato maa sadgamay, tamaso maa jyotirgamay,
mrutyormaaamrutam gamay,
ushno bhagavaan shuchiroopah hanso bhagavaan suchir pratiroopah |
Ya imam chakshushmatim vidyam
Brahmano nitya madheeyathe
Na tasya akshi rogo bhavathi
Na tasya kule andhor bhavathi
Ashtow brahmanan graha itva
Vidya siddhir bhavathi
vishvaroopam ghranitam jaatvedasam hiranyamayam jyotiroopam tapantam |
Sahastrarashmih shatadhaa vartamaanah purah prajaanaam udayatyesh
suryah ||
Om namo bhagavate aadityaay akshitejase-aho vaahini aho vaahini
swaahaa |
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of this article is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any health concerns, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively.