What is Myopia (Nearsightedness):-

Myopia (Nearsightedness) is a common vision condition in which you can see objects near you clearly but objects farther away are blurry. It occurs when the shape of your eye causes light rays to bend (refract) incorrectly, focusing images in front of your retina instead of on your retina.




















For you to see clearly, light rays must travel through your cornea and lens. The cornea and lens refract the light so it lands on the retina. The retina turns light into signals that travel to your brain and become images. With refractive errors, the shape of your cornea or lens prevents light from bending properly. When light is not focused on the retina as it should be, your vision is blurry.


Symptoms of Myopia:-

The common symptoms of myopia include:

* Far-away objects appear blurry
* Eyestrain-related headaches
* Difficulty seeing while driving (especially at night)
* Needing to squint to see clearly










 

It’s important to note that myopia typically first occurs in young children, who may struggle to articulate or identify their symptoms. If you suspect that your child may have myopia, look out for these indicators:

* Excessive blinking and squinting
* Unawareness of objects in the distance
* Frequent eye rubbing 
* Needing to sit closer to the TV

If you or your child present any of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule an eye examination with an optometrist.

Types of Myopia:-

* Simple Myopia: It is a type of myopia with a very minute diopter. This is the most common form of myopia.

* Degenerative Myopia: The other names of this type of myopia are progressive, malignant, or pathological myopia. This type of myopia gets worse over time. It is the main cause of visual impairment.

* Pseudomyopia: This occurs due to the spasms of the accommodation system of the eye.

* Nocturnal Myopia: The accommodation system fails in its potential, and therefore the objects go out of focus.

* Near Work-Induced Transient Myopia: It is a short-term myopic condition.

* Instrument Myopia: The accommodation of the eye is overdone while looking into an instrument. The instrument could be a microscope.

* Induced Myopia: It is also known as acquired myopia. It is due to the manifestation of a wide range of medications when the medications result in higher glucose levels, oxygen toxicity, and nuclear sclerosis.

* Temporary Myopia: It occurs due to the elevation of glucose levels. When the glucose level increases in the blood, it can result in swelling.

* Index Myopia: When the refractive index varies, it can lead to index myopia. Cataracts might also be the reason for index myopia.

Depending on the age it is named:

* Adult-onset myopia.
* School myopia.
* Youth-onset myopia.
* Congenital myopia

 

Causes of Myopia:-

There are two explanations behind myopia. Either the cornea is too curved or the eyeball is too long.
These abnormalities cause the light to stop in front of the retina, instead of stopping on it as it does in healthy individuals. Because the light is unable to focus properly on the retina as it is supposed to, the patient experiences blurry vision.

Genetics plays a role in the development of nearsightedness as well – when one (or both) parents are myopic, there is a greater chance that their child will also be myopic.

Environmental factors- Kids who play outdoors tend to have a better vision to a greater wavelength. These kids have low rates of myopia. People who are exercising more are less likely to be affected by myopia because their eyes have a wider field of vision. When an individual is exposed to sunlight or bright outdoor light for a long period, there is a chance for them to have more secretion of dopamine in the retina. This increased level of dopamine can enhance the visibility of the eyes. This is the reason why environmental factors play a vital role in myopic eyes.


 Ayurvedic Treatment Options for Myopia :-












Ayurveda is an old medical system and natural herbal medicines are the basis for this treatment. There is a branch within Ayurveda, the Shalakya Tantra, which deals with eye diseases. 
We all have three main doshas or energy forces that determine our actions, body structure, and general health. Vata dosha controls the movement and circulation in our body. Pitta controls our digestion process and metabolism. Kapha is responsible for the lubrication and structure of the body.











Balanced doshas keep us healthy and imbalanced doshas can cause different diseases. All these doshas also have sub doshas which control the function of the various parts of our body.









Pitta subtype 'Alochaka Pitta' deals with the function of eyes and vision. Kapha dosha subtype, the 'Tarpaka Kapha', controls the lubrication of your nose, eye, and mouth. The Vata sub-type ‘Prana Vata’ manages the brain, head, lungs, and heart.
According to Ayurveda, vitiation of Vata and Pitta doshas is responsible for the pathology behind Myopia which is known as ‘Nikat Drishti Dosh' or ‘Timira Roga’ in Ayurvedic Medical science. Alochaka pitta which resides in the eyes is responsible for vision. Vitiation of this pitta causes vision problems. Excess use of the eyes increases vata which then weakens the structures in the eyes. Because of causes like lack of proper diet, excessive exposure to sharp lights, excessive exposure to heat, and continuous gazing at small objects alochaka pitta and dhatus (tissues) in eyes get rearranged and do not receive proper nourishment and therefore fail to perform their functions properly. Improper food, hampered digestion, etc. may produce toxins that can block the channels and cause malnourishment of optic tissues. In most cases reducing the aggravated pita clears the condition if the disease is deep-seated then the nourishment of the tissue is also needed.
Ayurvedic herbal remedies help to improve eye health and may help to control myopia and other vision issues:-

• Triphala Remedy: Triphala is the magic of Ayurveda; it is the best combination of three herbal fruits. Triphala is very effective in treating Tridosha (vata, pitta, and kapha) and it has also been very effective in improving eyesight weakness and eye disorders. 

• Gooseberry/Amla: Amla or Indian gooseberry is the most effective herb to manage eye disorders; it is a rich source of vitamin C. You can eat Amla or gooseberry in any form such as powder, capsule, tablet, jam, or drink juice.

• Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus): Bilberry is an excellent antioxidant herb that helps to stimulate blood flow in the human body. It works to strengthen blood vessels and also increase retinal pigments that protect your eyes from harmful content such as free radicals. This is the best remedy for night blindness and weak eyesight. 

• Almonds & Fennel seeds: Almonds, large fennel (fennel seeds), and sugar (Kuja mishri) when taken together for a few days can markedly improve eye health and improve vision problems.

• Netra tarpan:  Netra Tarpan Ayurvedic therapy addresses the holistic approach to eye care. Here rather than using any Ayurvedic medicine in direct contact with the inside of the eyes much in the fashion of so-called eye drops, a different process is administered which works on the closed eye just from outside as in oil massage therapies of Ayurvedic tradition like Kati Basti, Janu Basti, Hrid Basti, etc. Nettra in Sanskrit means eyes and Tarpan refers to nourishment or rehydration process. So cumulatively the term means nourishment of eyes or rehydration of eyes. Netra Tarpan is an Ayurvedic purification and rejuvenation treatment.

• Healthy Diet: A healthy and nutritious diet plays the most important role in having better eyesight. So it is important to get a healthy and balanced diet. You must include vitamin A supplements in your daily diet routine. Some useful herbs and fruits are carrot juice, fish oil, eggs, milk, nuts, dry fruits, nut beans, cabbage, salad, green vegetables, lemon, and fruits.

Although modern medical science has made much progress in the field of ophthalmology, no satisfactory and universally accepted treatment for myopia is available. Methods for the correction of myopia are not without complications, including corneal infections due to contact lens wear corneal scarring, and persistent corneal haze from refractive surgery. Hence, Ayurvedic science can be explored to find a better alternative to manage this condition. Myopia comes under Timira roga in Ayurveda. In general, persons having eye disorders are suggested Herbal remedies, Netra Tarpanam, or Panchakarma therapy if it is necessary. All the herbal remedies and treatments are chosen according to the Dosha involved. So the treatment and medicines vary from person to person. It is better to see an Ayurvedic Consultant to pursue the treatment for better results.