Prevention is better than cure. Before the problem arises, take care of it.This is easy, especially for the eyes. There are simple ways to take care of the eyes, some of them are simple home remedies.
Presenting the second of a three-part series that will help to start the journey of healthy and strong eyes. Dr. Padmalochan shares insightful tips, debunks many myths and helps us understand the functioning of our eyes. As H.O.D. of Sri Sri Netra Jyoti, Dr. Padmalochan has an impressive body of work for the past 11 years.
Q: We face day-to-day eye problems like dryness, tiredness, and redness. How does this happen? Are there any eye care home remedies to keep the eyes healthy?
Dr. Padmalochan: There is a gland in our eyes known as the tear and lacrimal gland. When we view screens a great deal, our eyes are strained, and this leads to the shrinkage of the Tear- gland’s channel. Tears become lesser; we might even feel a sensation in our eyes with some pain. Yes, we do cry sometimes. However, when we cry when we are disturbed, hormonal imbalances are created, which are unhealthy.
There are some tips to keep the eyes healthy. Take a candle and it in a dark room, gazing at the candle. The candle should be at the eye level, and the backbone should be straight. When you keep staring at the candle, your eyes will start tearing up. Close your eyes, relax and repeat this at least two-three times.
This kind of crying does not create any disturbance in mind. If a candle is unavailable, then simply focus on one point and let the tears come. This is a very good exercise for dry eyes. There are other treatments and exercises at our eye center as well that activate the gland.
Say yes to a healthy life
Q: Can you tell us about eyes washes? In this busy schedule, we forget to wash our eyes?
Dr. Padmalochan: Yes, it is a very important process. The cornea is the only part of the body where there is no blood circulation. If there was blood circulation, then there will be no transparency. The oxygen supply from our lungs does not reach the cornea. However, the cornea takes oxygen from the outer environment. It's very interesting as the cornea takes oxygen from the outer membrane in the form of tears. The oxygen first gets dissolved in tears and the cornea cells, then, accept it.
That is why contact lenses are not advisable for more than three hours. After three hours, avoid lenses for at least an hour. If you constantly wear contact lenses, the eye is prone to dryness and infection.
When we sleep, the eyes become sticky. This is due to lacrimal secretions, tear glands and the secretion from the cornea. It’s very important for the eyes to be thoroughly cleaned in the morning. If you don’t clean the eyes, problems like itching, redness, irritation and allergic reactions could arise. Generally, in our tradition, we wash our eyes, face and then do any work. But nowadays, we switch on the television or mobile phone as soon as we wake up in the morning.
If you wash your eyes properly in the morning, around 80 percent of eye problems will not occur.
Q: How to deal with dark circles below the eyes?
Dr. Padmalochan: Dark circles are due to increased strain on the eyes, also excessive use of gadgets. Recent research papers have shown that screen time could also damage your DNA. If you sit in front of a screen for long hours, your skin will start looking old. For dark circles, mix some sandal paste, turmeric and aloe vera in rose water. Leave it on for some time and wash with warm water.
There are also some milk, ghee treatments at our center which are very beneficial.
The views in this Q&A belong to the individual.
Sri Sri Netra Jyoti is a unique research center that combines modern diagnosis of eyesight, ancient pulse diagnosis and specialized Ayurvedic medicine and herbal therapy.
