Ever think about how it would feel to lose the ability to see the world around you? To make the imagination easier, remember the times you played "blindfold" as a kid? Maybe one of the intentions of these games was to make you realise how crucial vision is.
Your presence here on this article shows that you are curious to know the ways to protect your vision. Let’s delve into the topic without further delay.
Importance of Eye Care
The above example signifies the importance of eye health and eye care. To understand the higher importance, seriousness and to avoid eye health hazards, one needs to understand the eye physiology and its dynamic functions.
Primarily, the eye is one of the most vital organs of the human body and the fastest muscle. Vision plays a crucial role in life, eventually life can't be imagined without vision. It has a prominent role in our social and intellectual development. Your brain is the storehouse of knowledge and information but eyes are one of the mediums to receive this knowledge. Nearly 80% of the knowledge we gain is through our eyes only. Healthy eyes and healthy brains are interdependent and interconnected. A healthy connection is essential since our optic nerves link the brain and the eyes. So, if we take care of our eyes, we can also take care of our brains. Also, when our vision is healthy, we can be more active, fit and productive.
Common Eye Concern: Poor Eyesight
People frequently experience dry eyes, myopia (nearsightedness), cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions. The inability to view distant objects is known as myopia. As per Ayurveda myopia is a 'Dhrishti vyadhi' is brought on by an imbalance of the Pitta and Vata doshas in the eyes. Here we have listed the major causes of poor eyesight;
1. Improper Nutrition
Amidst the fast-paced lives we lead today, often, attention is not given to nutrition. As a result, people suffer with various deficiency related health problems either immediately or in the long-run.
Good eye health requires balanced nutrition, comprising vitamins A, E, C, B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids and proteins.
2. Pollution & UV rays
Microplastics, dust particles and other pollutants in the environment can give rise to various infections and allergies. Therefore, whenever you step out in dusty areas and sunny hours, it's advisable to wear glasses to protect your eyes against dirt and harmful UV rays. If you are on a two-wheeler, you must not forget a helmet with glass visors.
Note, you are not touching your eyes with dirty hands. Your hands can be host to many germs hence can quickly transfer infectious germs to your eyes. Check the same with kids.
3. Unprotected Screen Exposure
Now not just working professionals and students but every individual is often exposed to digital screens that last for hours. Maybe laptop, desktop, TAB or mobile phones. Mobile phones have become one of the most intimate gadgets. Unconsciously like a practice people unlock and scroll their screens. It’s a high time to have control as and when it is literally needed. Over usage of mobile phones is the cause of various physical and mental health issues starting from Digital Eye Syndrome, Text neck issues to anxiety. It has a high negative impact on your eyesight too. To slow the rate of damage, we recommend minimal use, wearing glasses while on work and taking a break every 20 minutes from the screen and looking away for 1-2 minutes.
4. Ageing
This is a factor that can't be ignored. With increasing age, your body may experience a lack of eye strength and declining eyesight. Ageing is inevitable however a proper diet and regular exercise can help you stay fit and keep eye care concerns at bay.
Common ageing eye problem are;
Presbyopia
Glaucoma
Dry eyes
Cataracts
In case you are experiencing any kind of discomfort with your eyes for more than 2 days Consult with your eye doctor for regular check-ups.
Ayurvedic Ways to healthy Eyes
Ayurvedic eye treatments take a holistic approach to improving vision. Ayurveda aims to address the root of health problems. This may not work right away, but its effects are long-lasting and deeply rejuvenating. Here are some tips from Ayurveda to improve your eyesight.
1. Eye Wash
Ayurveda suggests maintaining an eyewash routine. In the morning when you wake up, wash your eyes with cool water while holding water in your mouth. It improves blood circulation in the eyes and also washes away dirt.
This morning eye care routine can help keep your eyes naturally healthy. One can also do eye wash using filtered triphala water in eye cups. It is one of the oldest eye care practices like washing eyes with honey water. Make sure ingredients used are of best quality.
2. Eye Exercise
Exercise is something that every part of your body needs. Same with your eyes. Eye exercises like palming, blinking, and rotating can be done daily to improve blood circulation, reduce eye strain, may promote healthy eyesight and relieve tension in the eye muscles.
In Yogic science there are different eye exercises for optimum eye health, however you need to learn those under the supervision of a yoga teacher. Tratak is known to be one of such eye exercises. Practising this for ten minutes every day can help improve eye strength and lustre.
3. Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurvedic herbs are soothing to the eyes and improves eye health. Amla, Punarnava, Triphala, Honey, Mamira can be dramatically nourishing for eye health. From ancient days these herbs have been used for treating eye complications. In today’s modern era you can find these herbs in the form of eye drops for daily use. EyeSpa Ayur is one such eye drops that contains 17 eye herbs to keep eye health optimum. It helps maintain eye temperature, may improve vision, strengthen the eye muscles, and rejuvenate them everyday. Highly recommended for digital screen users and students.
4. Ghee
Ghee for the body and the eyes is a super-food that provides essential nutrients and reduces inflammation. Include desi ghee into your diet. Ensure good quality and light oil for cooking.
5. Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Avoid excessive use of electronic devices, read in well-lit areas, and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin A and other eye-nourishing nutrients.
6. Give enough rest
Rest to body is essential whereas rest to the eye is very essential. If you are using any digital screen, set your alarm for every 20 minute to pause from work and close your eyes for a minute, blink a few times and look away to anything far away, maybe trees. Give them rest. Eye care is important to maintain eye health and vision as they grow. It is very important to pay attention in your daily life. Eye care is essential and must be practised.