What is Myopia? | Myopia Treatment
The home treatment for myopia include eye exercises, a vitamin and mineral-rich diet, eating almonds, Triphala, licorice, Ayurvedic medicines, as well as resting after long hours of reading and work. Some of the things to avoid while suffering from myopia are performing close range work, sitting in front of the TV and electronic devices for long periods of time, and working or reading in poorly lit areas.
Myopia, also termed as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye lengthens from front to back. This leads to the images that should form on the light-sensitive retina present in the back of the eye, forming in front of the retina. Those with myopia have good near vision for reading or computer use but can’t see well over long distances like road signs.
Myopia Home Treatment
Myopia can be reduced by adopting home remedies or solutions like those explained below:
Kusuma Varthi Anjana (Ayurvedic Approach)
Kusuma Varthi Anajana is an Ayurvedic medicinal preparation used for the treatment of simple myopia. This contains sesamum flowers, long pepper, common jasmine, and black pepper. Mix all of these ingredients and mash them. Add water to this mash to make it into a paste and dry it in shade. This mixture can be taken twice a day to minimize the risk of myopia.
Taking Breaks
This is perhaps one of the best home remedies for myopia. Continuous reading, watching TV, and working on a computer for long hours requires our eyes to focus at short distances and thus myopia can set in. In order to reduce the severity or appearance of myopia, one must take regular breaks from continuous reading, watching TV or working on the computer.
Eye Exercises
According to research conducted at the Ophthalmology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand by Rawstron, Burley and Elder, eye exercises do have an effect on myopic conditions. Today, ophthalmologic doctors are recommending eye exercises along with medication and prescription glasses. Yoga is yet another source of eye exercises.
Almond, Coconut, Anise Seed & Candy Sugar
This is one of the simplest home remedies for myopia. Mix almond, coconut, anise seed, and candy sugar and grind them into a powder. This powder can be consumed twice daily. It is known to improve myopic conditions.
Working in Adequately Lit Spaces
Working in low light conditions can have a serious effect on the sight of a person. When we work in low light conditions, we put extra stress on our eyes, which strains the muscles inside and tightens them up, resulting in myopia.
Licorice
Licorice is another spice commonly used as a remedy for myopia. Take licorice in a very small quantity (not more than half a spoon) and mash it up. Make two equal parts, mix one in honey and the other in ghee. Consume these mixtures twice every day with milk. Take each mixture once.
Research has shown that myopia can be temporarily corrected with prescribed minus (concave) glasses. However, in the long run, it has been noted to progress due to this. As it progresses, it has to be countered with much more powerful prescription glasses or lenses.
Intake of Vitamins
The consumption of vitamins is one of the major home remedies for myopia. Vitamins and eyesight have had a close relationship for a very long time. Vitamins such as vitamin A, B, C, D, and E have been associated with good eyesight. These vitamins are found in vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods like carrots, tomatoes, apples, peppers, fish, green leafy vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, and are very beneficial.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can also be taken up as home remedies for myopia. These breathing exercises can be done at home in a relaxed way. Close your eyes and inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth in a steady and continuous manner for more than three minutes. Do not strain by trying to breathe in more air than usual.
Triphala (Ayurvedic Approach)
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal system describes various ways to treat eye diseases. One such prescription for myopia is through Triphala or a mix of three fruit extracts. These include Beleric myrobalan, Indian gooseberry, and Chebulic myrobalan. Triphala is available in Ayurvedic medicine shops or the mix can be prepared at home from fresh fruits or their extracts.
