Yogic Eye Care for the Digital Age To Improve Your Vision Naturally

Unplug, Unwind, See Clearly

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It is said that the eyes are the window to the soul. But often it is a neglected part of our system, as we are too busy with other activities to take care of them.

In today’s digital age, being glued to screens dominates our daily lives, causing eye strain. Too much time spent on our phones, computers, and other devices has a detrimental impact on our eyesight. Seldom do we realize the harm!

Coming to our rescue is the ancient art of yoga. Beyond providing relaxation and flexibility, yoga offers a plethora of poses that have a significant impact on many body parts. Incorporating these yoga asanas into your daily routine proves to be beneficial.

What better way to take care of these vital parts of our system than with rejuvenating exercises? Here are some yogic exercises for strengthening the eyes, relieving eye strain, and illuminating your vision.

Eye Rotation Exercise

These exercises enhance flexibility and strengthen the ocular muscles.

• Sit comfortably with your spine elongated. Head, neck, and back straight.
• Slowly rotate your eyes in a clockwise direction, focusing on moving them smoothly without causing strain.
• Complete 10 rotations and switch to an anti-clockwise direction.
• Close your eyes for a few seconds.

Blinking Exercise (Sarvangasana)

Take a comfortable seat. For approximately 30 seconds, blink quickly enough, that each blink allows your eyes to fully close and open. By moisturizing the eyes, this activity lessens dryness and increases hydration.

Focus Shifting (Tratak)

This exercise involves gazing at the flame of a candle, where we have to focus on the flame kept at eye level.

• Sit comfortably, with a lighted candle in front of you.
• Relax and take a few deep breaths.
• Start by looking down at the floor, slowly moving your gaze up onto the table on which the candle is kept, continuing to the candle stand, steadily looking at the body of the candle, and finally the flame.
• Initially, the focus should be on the outer orange part of the flame. Observe well for some time.
• Close your eyes as the first round gets over.

In the second round follow the same steps as above and focus on the inner blue part of the flame.

Now, in the next step keep your eyes fixed on the flame without blinking, for as long as it is comfortable. The eyes may start watering, but it is natural and indicates that the process is effective. You can continue if possible. Then close your eyes and visualize the flame mentally. This technique improves concentration and sharpens vision.

Child Pose (Balasana)

• While sitting back on your heels on the floor kneel on the ground.
• With your arms out in front of you or at your side, lower your forehead to the ground.
• By urging the eyes to soften, this position encourages relaxation and decreases eye strain.

Palming Technique (Hasta Mudra)

Start by rubbing your hands together until they get warm, and gently cover your closed eyes with your palms. Allow the heat to enter, calming and unwinding the muscles around your eyes. Inhale deeply and sense the release of stress.

It is sufficient to practice these exercises once a week and not required to be done everyday along with your regular yoga sessions.