HEALTHWATCH
Perfect sight
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Many people do not realise that certain things they do cause defective vision. Dr. AMAR AGARWAL writes about relaxation techniques for the eyes.
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S. SIVA SARAVANAN
Take care of the eyes ... learn to use them properly.
EYES are the best gift of Nature to our body. One is not even aware of their importance as long as our vision is all right. Only when one's vision begins to fail do we realise how much we depend on them. There is, therefore, a constant need to take care of our eyes.
One of the best modes of taking care of one's eyes is to combine Allopathy with Naturopathy. That is the aim of Yoga for perfect eyesight.
Refractive error
The eye is like a camera. The object seen by the lens is focused on the retina and then processed by the brain. The eye is a sense organ and we make no effort to see when the eye functions normally. Some people, however, need spectacles for clear vision and this inability to see clearly is called refractive error.
Have you noticed that the harder your try to see clearly the worse it seems? Now try this: Close your eyes and think of a colour. Keep your eyes closed till the strain is relieved. Now open your eyes and look at the first word for a fraction of a second. If you have been able to relax then you will have a flash of improved or clear vision.
Continue this exercise with alternate resting of each eye and you will find that you can keep your open for longer periods without losing the improved vision. This is the fundamental principle of eye relaxation.
To prevent defective vision, one must learn to use their eyes properly.
Blinking is a quick method of resting the eyes. Blink once or twice while reading each line. Whenever we blink, the tear film of the eye flows past the cornea keeping it moist. This means refraction is good.
Proper usage
While reading, keep the book at below-chin level. The distance between the book and eye can vary depending on individual comfort. Keep the light on the book and avoid reading in dull light or while lying down. While writing, focus on the point of the pen and move your eyes with its movements. Blink frequently.
Many women suffer from eyestrain and headache while doing needlework. The common mistake is to keep the eyes fixed on the cloth and blink at long intervals. Move sight with the needle's movement and blink every now and then.
Working at computers for long spells leads to eye discomfort and tiredness. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) describes a variety of vision-related symptoms caused or aggravated by using the computer screen for more than two hours a day.
The problems can range from temporary myopia, eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes and neck and back aches.
Spectacles alone will not solve the problem. Office arrangement, lighting, resolution and glare from the screen are also important. But this can be solved by suitable eye exercises.
Television rules
Television is also firmly entrenched in our lives today. But you cannot wear your eyes out by watching TV. It does not cause eye defects. But if you child seems to be always too close to the TV, then he/she may have a refractive error.
A good general rule to watch TV is to stay as far from your TV screen as visual comfort permits. Sit comfortably resting your back on the chair's back. Raise your chin a little, keep eyelids down and blink frequently. There should be additional lighting in the room. The contrast between the bright screen and surrounding darkness can cause fatigue. Also make sure that the screen does not reflect any light source towards your eyes.
Simple exercises
Relaxation is one of the treatments for defective vision. A good balanced and nourishing diet rich in proteins and vitamins also help development of the eyes. Spectacles and contact lenses are aids in correcting the vision. Here are some simple exercises for improving vision:
Sun treatment: Sit comfortably facing the sun with your eyes closed. Sway gently from side to side for five minutes. Remember to keep the eyes closed throughout. The best time is morning or evening and this exercise should be stopped as soon as the sun causes discomfort.
Eye wash: After the sun treatment, wash your eyes with cold water.
Palming: This is a great relaxation for both the mind and the eyes. Close your eyes and cover them with the hollow of your palms to shut off all light. You will observe a dark field before your eyes. Imagine familiar things for five minutes. This helps relax the eyes.
Though certain forms of blindness are not preventable and some cannot be cured or arrested, it is possible to enjoy good eyesight with eye health education.
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