Daily eye care regimen in ayurveda

In ayurveda, the eye is referred to as the "The seat of fire". This is based on the ayurvedic belief that the eyes have a tendency to "build-up" heat and are basically "pitta" in nature. 

Although modern medicine may not subscribe to this view of "heat" etc. the fact remains that at a practical level one does feel a burning sensation in the eyes after a long session in front of a computer or after a long day out in the Sun. Below are a few tips that are recommended in ayurveda - these form part of Dinacharya (daily routine):

1. Bathing / Washing the eyes: This has to be done first thing in the morning along with cleaning of the teeth and scraping of the tongue. This can be done by using an eye-cup filled with clean, cool water. If an eye-cup is not available, any cup that allows the eyeball to be immersed in water is good enough. Blink your eyes several times and then discard the water and refill the cup - this can be repeated two to three times. Doing this procedure again in the evening after a day at office or at work also helps in cleaning and cooling the eye. Once a week the eyes can be washed with a solution made by soaking Triphala churna (powder) overnight in a class of water - Take a pinch of the Triphala, dissolve it in lukewarm water, strain to get a clear solution. Triphala as the name suggests is made by combining three fruits - Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). In Ayurveda Triphala is known to have the property of balancing the three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
2. Eye Massage: This is a wonderful exercise for those who have to stare at a computer screen for long hours and for anyone who has a habit of staring at digital screens for long. Use your index finger and thumb to gently massage along the orbit of the eye (the bony socket around the eye). Then gently using the same two fingers massage along the line of the eyebrows as if you are straightening them out - this helps improve blood circulation and will immediately rejuvenate tired eyes. Finally use your thumb to gently press and massage your eyelids exerting minimal pressure on the eyeballs.
3. Eye palming: Do this once every hour, particularly if you sit in front of a computer all day or are a mobile phone addict. Rub the palms of your hands together vigorously so that the friction generates heat. Then close your eyes and cup your palms over your eyes for about 30 seconds. Gently open your eyes and stare away into the distance (do not focus on anything) for another 30 seconds. This 1-minute practice once every hour should go a long way in reducing / preventing Computer Vision Syndrome and fatigue due to digital screens.
4.  Eye poultice: Take a soft cotton cloth, soak it in cool water, lie down on your back and place this cotton cloth across your closed eyes for about 3-5 minutes everyday after your come back from work. Additionally, you could add a few drops of Aloevera or pure rose water for a greater cooling effect.
5. Basic eye exercises: It is important to exercise the muscles of the eyes. Preferably this should be done early in the morning. Sit down either in Sukhasana (if you can) or in a comfortable chair. Move your eyes slowly Up and then Down ensuring that you hold each position for a few seconds. Then move your eyes to the Left and then to the Right. Make sure that only your eyes move and not your head as well. Finally move your eyes to the Top-Right corner of the room and then to the Bottom-Left corner of the room and then switch (Top-Left and Bottom-Right). There are other advanced exercises that can be learnt by those who are interested but for most people these should be enough provided they are practiced everyday.

Needless to mention a diet rich in vegetables and fruits rich in Vitamin-A is also an essential part of any eye-care regimen.