Myopia: Discard spectacles, turn to Ayurveda

If you have trouble looking clearly at objects at a distance, while others can clearly identify them, you probably are suffering from an eye condition called- Myopia. Not uncommon, this condition usually leads you to wear spectacles for life. However, if you turn to Ayurveda and its herbal remedies, you might just rid yourself of those spectacles and still correct your vision to perfection. 

 

     

Myopia or near sightedness, happens due to various reasons. The first and foremost reason is a defect in the refractivity of the eyes. It can also happen if the curvature of the refracting surface of the visual media changes. Nervous debility, chronic cold and chronic constipation too are known to cause Myopia in people.
 

Many a time people tend to experience what is called Progressive Myopia. This is a condition in which the vision keeps on deteriorating even with the use of spectacles for a certain time period or age. Later, it gets stabilised.       

     

Often, people realise that they have myopia when their eyeballs start paining, there is difficulty in seeing far away things and there is itching around the eyes. The eyes start watering and reading for long periods becomes difficult. Headaches and insomnia are some common side effects of myopia. 
 

It is surprising, yet true that a person can easily fight myopia with some important dietary changes.

• Ghee prepared with cow’s milk is very helpful in curing near sightedness. Thus, it should be regularly taken as part of the daily diet.

• Any food item which causes nasal congestion, cough or cold should be avoided at best.

• Also keep items causing constipation away.

• Some of the known foods which worsen myopia are- pickles, curd, spices and fried foods.

Ayurvedic cures
  

Since constipation and chronic cold are the two major causes of myopia, Ayurvedic treatments are based on curing these ailments first.
 

For people suffering from cold and nasal congestion, Ayurveda suggests intake of Shaidbindu taila and Triphala. Shaidbindu taila is a mixture prepared from several other natural herbs, oils and drugs. It is oil which is supposed to be inhaled by the person early every morning. The oil is also inserted in the nostrils after inhalation for better results. Symptoms like nasal irritation and sneezing might deter people from using it. However, practitioners believe these are the symptoms showing that the body is reacting desirably to the medicine.
 

For myopia caused due to constipation,  Triphala is the best bet. It is supposed to be had at night (one tea spoon) with warm milk, before bedtime.
 

Specifically for myopia, there are four very good medicines in Ayurveda. They are: 
 

• Maha triphala Ghrita: This is a medicated cow’s ghee. It is effective in cases with progressive myopia. Prepared with triphala, cow’s ghee and other medicines, one tea spoon of this ghee has to be taken twice, daily.

• Chandrodaya varti: It is a ‘kajal’ of a kind, prepared by rubbing Chandrodaya with honey. The collyrium prepared has to be applied over the eyes at night. It might cause irritation on application and the eyes may begin to water.

• Saptmitra Lauha: This medicine is usually used for people who have myopia due to nervous debility. It has to be taken twice daily; about one tea spoon of it with warm milk.

• Yashti Madhu: This medication is derived from the roots of the plant Yashti Madhu and is prepared with cow’s ghee and honey. One needs to have this medicine once everyday, empty stomach.

Some lifestyle changes
 

• Yoga asanas especially Sinhasana, and a few others which are meant especially to improve eye health should be practiced every day.

• A daily morning walk of 20 minutes is sure to do your eyes lot of good.

• The yogic breathing exercise, pranayam, is also quite helpful.

• Reading while lying down, long hours in front of the TV or computer, late nights and over strenuous eye works should be avoided.

• Make sure that you work in good and sufficient light.

• Relax and exercise your eyes every now and then throughout the day.