These days, we spend so much time in front of the computer screen, watching TV, driving, reading, we’re using our eyes all the time, and yet we tend to take them for granted and not give them the care they deserve.  In Ayurveda, we learn that it is important to take care of our health, and the health of our eyes, while we are healthy.  This way we can prevent problems from occurring and improve our vision.  The eyes are governed by Pitta, which becomes less balanced as we age, so it’s a good idea to implement some Ayurvedic recommendations for eye care now.

-Make sure you get enough sleep.  Your eyes need rest just as the rest of your body does.

-Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct sunlight.

-Make sure you have proper light to work or read in, not too dim or bright.

-Take a break from the computer every 30 minutes.  Get up, walk around, and look at objects in the distance for awhile.

-Try this Yogic eye exercise.  Look up for two seconds, then look down for two seconds, then close your eyes for two seconds.  Open your eyes, look right as far as you can for two seconds, then look left as far as you can for two seconds, look to the front again, and close your eyes and breath for 10 seconds.  Repeat.

-Make sure to include foods that are rich in vitamin A in your diet, like carrots, and green, leafy vegetables.

-Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep the eyes moist.  Avoid caffeine.

-In the evening, rest with two cotton balls dipped in rosewater placed over your closed eyes.  Rosewater is cooling, and the fragrance is balancing for Pitta.