I find this specially valuable if you use the computer anything more than a few minutes a day. I’ve outlined methods and generic recommendations for eye relaxation and healing – resulting in an overall improvement in your eye health.
We’ll be drawing on the experience of the experts at All About Vision [1] for the modern approach, and comparing it with traditional ayurveda best practices.
Research suggests vitamin A also may lower your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. It also may slow vision loss in people with an eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa.
How much vitamin A do you need each day? For teen boys, the U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 900 micrograms, which is the equivalent of 3,000 international units (IU). For teen girls, it is 700 micrograms (2,333 IU).
They go on to explain how the key nutrients for your eye wellness include yellow, orange and red ‘pigments’ – the chemical that gives colour to organic things – in fruits and vegetables.
These are called ‘carotenoids’. Of the hundreds of carotenoids, the most common ones are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene.
Generally, carrots are considered a very good source of vitamin A and carotenoids – both critical to improving eye health. However it’s no the only food you can have to improve your ocular wellness – here’s a long list of things that work in your favour in terms of eye health & nutrition.
| Carotenoids | Kale, spinach, leaf lettuce, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, tomato juice, sweet potatoes, broccoli, squash, watermelon, pink grapefruit, apricots | No RDA established |
| Vitamin C | Oranges, orange juice, red and green bell peppers, grapefruit, strawberries, broccoli, kale | 75 mg for boys, 65 mg for girls |
| Bioflavonoids | Berries, grapes, apples, oranges, grapefruit, yellow onions, soy foods, legumes, teas, dark chocolate | No RDA established |
Ayurveda on the other hand has a totally different approach!
There are many herbal remedies to improve eyesight which you can start using to care for your eyes and improve your vision.[2]
Triphala
As the name suggests Tri-Phala contains three ingredients – Amla, Haritaki and Vibhitaki. “Triphala churna” as it is known, is a super formula and brings multiple health benefits. It is loaded with antioxidants and has been used as an eye tonic in Ayurveda for many years. Triphala helps improve your eye muscles functioning, in turn improving your eyesight. It is also helpful in curing conditions like glaucoma, myopia and conjunctivitis. You can treat ‘computer vision’ syndrome and relieve strain on eyes caused due to continuous computer or television use by using Triphala.
How to Make a Triphala Eye Wash
Make a natural eye rinse with triphala by dissolving the herb powder in hot water and stirring well. Let it cool and dip a washcloth in the herb water. Place the cloth with triphala eye water over your eyes. Blink to allow the water to enter your eyes. It may sting at first but keep the eye wash in your eyes for at least 5 minutes.
Amla (The Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is known to be a wonder herb with multiple health benefits. It’s incredibly beneficial to your eye health. Firstly, this miracle fruit can help improve your overall eye health and preserve your eyesight if taken regularly. The natural goodness of it strengthens your eye muscles which can actually enhance your vision. The acid in Amla is an incredible thing – it helps soothe your eyes when irritated and can prevent cataracts from forming!
Here’s a couple more recipes to help you soothe your eyes
Honey Eye Drops
- Keep a small bottle to store the eye drops ready.
- Add 1 tbsp of raw organic honey to the bottle.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
- Shake well and add one drop in each eye twice a day.
Rose Water Eye Drops
- Take a small dropper bottle to store the drops.
- Add 1 tsp of raw organic honey.
- Add 3 tbsp of organic rose water to this.
- Shake well and use twice a day.
Look at that tremendous contrast to the modern approach and the Ayurvedic one! I personally have tried both – and I find really great relief from using the “Triphala” combination.
What do I suggest for you? It’s simple – use the best of both methods. We’re not into this for the competition – we want the best of wellness in every possible way!