Eye strain can indeed be quite frustrating, especially considering your job involves prolonged screen time. From an Ayurvedic perspective, eye strain relates to the heightened activity of pitta dosha, due to the heat and light exposure from screens that might stress the eyes. Here’s how you might approach rebalancing this:
Start with a regular practice of palming, which involves gently rubbing your hands together to generate warmth and then placing the warm palms over your closed eyes without pressing. This simple exercise relaxes your eye muscles and reduces strain. Implement it several times throughout the day, especially during your breaks.
Consider using triphala powder, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation known for its benefits to eye health. Mix half a teaspoon of triphala powder in a glass of water and let it soak overnight. Use this filtered water to gently wash your eyes in the morning.
Incorporate ghee (clarified butter) into your diet—it helps lubricate the eyes from the inside, providing nourishment. You may also add foods rich in antioxidants such as vitmain A—carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes are beneficial—and hydration is equally important to ensure your eyes remain moist.
In terms of herbs, you might try a drop of triphala ghee as an eye drop at bedtime. However, this application should be approached cautiously, so you might want to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice.
If possible, include a short practice of trataka, a meditation technique focusing on a candle flame at eye level, which can enhance concentration and relax your eye muscles. Begin with a few minutes a day, gradually extending as your comfort grows.
Lastly, ensuring proper lighting and screen position can significantly contribute to reducing eye strain. Try following the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Should your symptoms persist or worsen, consider visiting a healthcare professional to rule out underlying issues, since prolonged blurred vision or headache may require more immediate treatment.
