Presbyopia is a progressive eye disorder that generally starts to develop around the age of 40. It's part of ageing and affects most individuals in one way or another as we grow older. The primary sign of Presbyopia is difficulty seeing near objects such as reading small print or doing fine work such as sewing.
This happens because the lens inside the eye that centres on near and far objects becomes less flexible over time. A more flexible lens changes shape so we focus on objects at different distances. But as we age the lens gets less flexible and can not change shape as easily, so it is difficult to see close things without reading glasses or bifocals.
Understanding about this condition may help you cope with it. If you find yourself holding books, menus or your phone farther away to read, it is important to see a doctor. They can confirm if you have Presbyopia and recommend ways to see better, including glasses.
Presbyopia usually begins around the age of 40 and gets worse with age. Some common causes of Presbyopia include:
Ageing Lens: The biggest cause is the natural hardening of the lens of your eye. Your lens becomes less flexible as you age and can not change shape to focus on nearer objects.
Muscle Fibre Changes: The muscles around the lens that contract and relax to focus also lose elasticity with age. This loss of elasticity means the eye can no longer alter the lens shape as easily.
Reduced Lens Elasticity: With time, the proteins in the eye's lens clump together to make the lens thicker and reduce the amount of elasticity.
Cellular Changes: The cells in eyes also change with age and affect your vision. The number of cells which could change the lens shape decreases, making focusing difficult for close objects.
Presbyopia is part of ageing and affects the ability to see objects up close. Look out for these signs and symptoms:
You might have to hold books, menus, newspapers, or your phone away from your eyes to read clearly.
As your vision changes, you may need brighter lighting than before for reading and close work.
You may experience eye strain or tired eyes after working for long periods doing something that requires close concentration, such as sewing or handwriting.
Frequent headaches can result from straining to see clearly after reading, writing or working on a computer.
Even at distances comfortable for reading or other detailed work, your vision might feel blurry.
The most obvious sign of Presbyopia is having to reach for the maximum distance to read a text to make it clearer.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Presbyopia using ancient Ayurvedic techniques coupled with contemporary advances in medicine science. 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.
Ayurvedic medicines customised for you: Tailored herbal formulas for calming doshas and mood stabilisation.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: Relaxing methods for mental and general well being of patients.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Treatments like Panchakarma and massages detox the body and balance emotional health.
Dietary & Lifestyle Changes: Professional advice on adjusting your diet and lifestyle to achieve optimal health outcomes.
With advancing age, our vision also goes on declining, and specifically our ability to see objects that are near. Conventional glasses are a common remedy but Ayurveda provides herbal remedies to manage and improve this condition. Following are some Ayurvedic medications frequently prescribed for Presbyopia:
Triphala: Among the most familiar Ayurvedic compounds, Triphala is made out of 3 fruits - Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki. It's thought to detoxify the body and boost health including eye health.
Yashtimadhu (Licorice): Yashtimadhu is prescribed for eye health because of its revitalising properties. It helps with clear vision and relieves eye inflammation.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants and therefore great for eye health. It tightens the eye muscles and delays the appearance of Presbyopia.
Shatavari: This magic herb is another powerful rejuvenator, said to boost vitality and eye tissue health.
Bhringraj: Bhringraj is believed to enhance vision and eye health when taken regularly, apart from its other benefits.
Presbyopia begins at about age 40 and can continue through about age 65.
Presbyopia can not be cured, but symptoms can be controlled with corrective lenses and lifestyle adjustments.
No, Presbyopia is age-related and is brought on by lens stiffness in near vision, whereas farsightedness is caused when your eyeball is too short or your cornea is too flat.
Presbyopia can not be prevented because it is part of ageing but can be controlled with good care.
Ayurveda provides treatments such as Netra Tarpana and diet plans to nourish the eyes and maintain good vision throughout life.
Ayurveda suggests foods loaded with vitamins A and C like carrots and oranges for better eye health.
Yes, particular yoga poses such as Trataka (focused gazing) strengthen the eye muscles and improve focus.
Yes, Ayurveda suggests eye exercises like palming and blinking to relax and rejuvenate eye muscles.
Yes, reducing eye strain, lighting, and regular eye care can relieve Presbyopia symptoms.
