Boost eye health with Ayurveda: Here's how students can keep their vision sharp, prevent strain

Eye strain is commonplace and troubling to students today, largely owing to the usage of computers and other gadgets, particularly smartphones. (Image: Canva)

Today’s students, to carry out their ever-increasing workloads, can no longer avoid long sedentary study hours and forays into the digital world. Unfortunately, long periods of sitting in front of a computer screen with few interval breaks and poor visual hygiene can result in health complications of the visual system. The problems range from computer vision syndrome to transient blurriness of vision, all of which affect their concentration, performance levels, and general well-being. Most individuals these days look to corrective lenses for shortsightedness or medication in the case of ocular problems; however, Ayurveda offers a more holistic approach in the form of prevention and treatment that has been useful over the years.

As Dr Avni Sharma points out, an acclaimed Ayurvedic health specialist based out of Mumbai, the eyes can benefit a lot from understanding and appropriately focusing the ‘doshas’ internal energies in the body, namely, Vata Pitta and Kapha. Age-old formulations of Ayurveda can assist in retaining one’s vision.

The benefits of Ayurveda extend to the preventative elements that are more concerned with lifestyle changes than medicine; this helps to broaden the scope with regards to the health of students who are well aware of healthy habits. This is how Ayurveda can help students take better care of their eyes even today when everything is digital.

Early recognition of such imbalances through Ayurvedic Rasayana

• When it comes to eye care, 'Pitta dosha', which is associated with vision, digestive processes, and the internal temperature of the system, is often emphasised in Ayurveda. It has been believed that due to the excruciating heat of Pitta, conditions such as dry, gritty, light-sensitive eyes may arise.

• For college-age students, the mitigation of these imbalances is of paramount importance in order to reduce the risk of symptoms like tired vision, the effect of bloodshot or puffy eyes, and head pain. The more frequent visits to Ayurvedic practitioners, the less possibility such a state would turn into a more serious condition.

Eye strain is commonplace and troubling to students today, largely owing to the usage of computers and other gadgets, particularly smartphones. Eye workouts for correcting vision errors and mitigating eye stress Eye exercises are promoted within Ayurveda as one of the measures that help sustain healthy vision, improve blood flow to the eye muscles, and fight the adverse effects of excessive screen use. Simple eye workouts are such as:

• Palming: Rub the palms vigorously to generate heat, followed by gently placing the palms over the closed eyes. Sit comfortably for a couple of minutes, taking deep breaths. This exercise is beneficial in relieving the strain in the eyes and easing the tension.
• Exercise helps to blink: Quick blinking is useful in making the eyes clear, moist, and effective. Such blinking exercises may be conducted from time to time to ease dryness and enhance concentration.
• Shift of focus: In order to enhance the flexibility of the eyes, try to concentrate on an object at a distance for some seconds and then refocus on an object that is close. This in turn helps in relaxing the eyes and enhances concentration.

Proper nutrition and its role in eye care

Astanga Ayurveda gives equal prominence to proper nourishment of the body to enhance vision and other processes. Some of these foods are said to have specific advantages in promoting the well-being of the eyes due to their role in strengthening the body and restoring the doshas to order.

• Carrots and leafy greens: These are excellent sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which enhance night vision and avert eye degeneration, respectively.
• Amla, or Indian Gooseberry: Moringa is a plant known for the richness of Vitamin C which enhances the strength of the eyes and reduces the risk of the development of cataracts.
• Nuts and seeds: Foods such as almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are rich in omega fatty acids that help moisturise the eyes, thereby reducing dryness.

About Ayurvedic eye care recommendations

In addition to diet and medicinal treatment, Ayurveda also combines the introduction of practices that contribute to the health of the eyes daily. These practices help improve focus, which in turn benefits eye health.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.