Astigmatism is a common eye disorder which causes your vision to be blurry or distorted. This is because the front surface of your eye, called the cornea, or your lens, has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a basketball, it’s shaped more like a football. This odd shape causes light entering your eye to bend unevenly, disturbing the focus on your retina at the back of your eye.
With Astigmatism, things might look wavy or blurry at all distances, whether you’re attempting to read a book or see a street sign across the road. It might occur on its own or with other common vision issues including farsightedness or nearsightedness.
Most people are born with Astigmatism, so it’s quite normal, and it can change over time. In case your vision isn't as sharp as it once was or if you’re squinting a lot, getting headaches or your eyes feel exhausted, you might have Astigmatism. An Ayurvedic expert can verify if you have this condition during your assessment.
Astigmatism is primarily genetic and often occurs in families. If your parents have Astigmatism, you have a good chance of developing it yourself. But this isn't the only reason one might experience this vision problem. Many factors affect how your eye develops and functions.
The most common causes of Astigmatism are:
Genetics: Genetic Astigmatism is the most common cause of developing this condition. If it’s in your family, there’s a good chance that you will get it too.
Irregular Corneal Shape: The cornea should be smooth and well-curved. Any deviation from this can cause Astigmatism.
Pressure from Eyelids: Sometimes excessive pressure on the cornea from the eyelids (during sleep or from rubbing the eyes frequently) can skew its shape.
Eye Injury: An injury to the eye could change the shape of the cornea and lead to Astigmatism. This is why eye protection is necessary when playing sports or exercising.
Eye Surgery: Some eye procedures, including cataract surgery, cause Astigmatism in case the eye does not heal in the usual round shape.
Keratoconus: This is a progressive eye disease in which the cornea thins and forms into a cone-like shape, causing significant vision impairment and Astigmatism.
Poor Eyeglass Fit/Wrong Prescription: Sometimes, improperly fitted eyeglasses or an outdated prescription can lead to temporary Astigmatism-like symptoms from eye strain.
Astigmatism makes everyday tasks difficult as it affects your sight of both near and far objects. Knowing the signs and symptoms could help you decide when you must see an Ayurvedic expert for a checkup.
The following are signs and symptoms that could suggest Astigmatism :
This is a basic characteristic of Astigmatism. Objects may seem blurry or stretched, affecting your ability to see details clearly from a distance.
If you have trouble seeing at night or experience halos around lights, it could be due to Astigmatism affecting how light enters your eye.
In case your eyes feel sore or tired frequently after reading or using a computer, this can be an indication of Astigmatism.
Uncorrected Astigmatism may be associated with frequent headaches. Trying to focus with an irregularly shaped cornea takes extra effort and strains your eyes and head.
You might find yourself squinting frequently to attempt to see better. Squinting blocks extra light from entering the eye and temporarily improves focus.
Astigmatism could make driving particularly hard at night due to the glare of headlights and street lights.
If you find yourself changing your eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions often, it could be due to progressing Astigmatism.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Astigmatism using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically developed blends that help restore the balance of your body and increase emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These relaxing practices promote mental health and overall wellness.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and various kinds of massages cleanse the body and help with emotional wellness.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert recommendations on changing your eating habits and lifestyle for optimum health.
Astigmatism can be annoying as it affects your everyday vision. While conventional methods such as glasses or contacts are common fixes, Ayurveda offers natural remedies for supporting eye health and to ease Astigmatism symptoms.
Here are some Ayurvedic medicines traditionally used to support clearer vision and ease eye problems due to Astigmatism :
Triphala: Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki make this potent herbal blend called Triphala. It has antioxidant properties and is used as an eye wash to thoroughly clean the eyes and improve vision clarity.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Another good source of Vitamin C for eye health is Amla. Consuming amla juice or powder can strengthen the retina and support clear vision.
Bhringraj: Often used for hair care, Bhringraj is also good for eyes. It is taken internally or diluted in water to wash the eyes to relieve strain and improve sight.
Yashtimadhu (Licorice): Yashtimadhu is good for several eye ailments including Astigmatism. It can be consumed as a supplement or used as an eye wash to relieve eye strain and improve vision.
Ginkgo Biloba: Though not typically Ayurvedic, Ginkgo Biloba is utilised in Ayurveda for its blood circulation benefits. It improves the supply of blood to the eyes, which might relieve symptoms of Astigmatism.
Shatavari: Known for its general rejuvenative properties, Shatavari is believed to improve eye health. It may be taken as a supplement to support general vitality and eye function.
Ayurveda can help maintain good eye health through a balanced diet and lifestyle habits, potentially reducing the risk of Astigmatism.
Ayurveda recommends daily eye exercises, adequate hydration and a diet high in vitamins A and C for eye health.
Yes, specific yoga poses that emphasise relaxation and eye strain relief may help with Astigmatism symptoms.
Although modern tests are precise, Ayurveda assesses eye health through physical symptoms and imbalance in body energies which may also indicate Astigmatism.
Eating carrots, leafy greens, berries and nuts, all rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants are recommended in Ayurveda for eye health.
Herbs like Tulsi, Neem and Punarnava are used for eye health and clarity in Ayurvedic medicine.
Yes, high stress can increase eye strain. Ayurveda recommends meditation and getting enough sleep for stress control and supporting eye health.
Ayurveda considers the cause of Astigmatism to be doshic imbalances (Pitta & Vata) that affect the eye's lens and overall health.
Marma massage around the eyes may improve circulation and relieve strain for Astigmatism management.
Yes, Ayurveda can safely benefit children using mild remedies like Triphala eye wash and proper dietary adjustments.
Reducing screen time, providing adequate lighting for reading and wearing protective eyewear can help manage Astigmatism symptoms.
Sleeping on your back is recommended to avoid putting pressure on your eye and could help in managing Astigmatism.
