Often in these days of high stress, television and computers we find that our vision is impaired. Visual display screens, pollution and stress can all cause eye strain. This tends to precipitate the development of refraction errors (such as short and long-sightedness and astigmatism), glaucoma and allergic eye inflammations.

The following exercises can cure most eye diseases, both muscular and optical if they are practised with patience. Many people who have done them over a long period of time have discarded their spectacles.

After each of the exercises, the eyes should be closed and rested for at least half a minute.

Palming

Sit, close the eyes and face the sun. Rub the palms of the hands together vigorously until they become hot. Place the palms over the eyes. Feel that warmth and energy are being transmitted from the hands into the eyes. After 2 to 3 minutes, remove the hands, keeping the eyes closed throughout. Repeat the exercise at least 3 times. This is best practised at sunrise. It relaxes, revitalises and recharges the optic nerves.

Distant and Near Viewing

Sit in the same position as exercise 5, relax the arms. Focus the eyes on your nose. Then focus on a distant object. Focus on the nose again. Repeat this process many times. Afterwards close and relax the eyes.

Up and Down Viewing

Maintain the same position as exercise 4. Place both fists on the knees, with both thumbs pointing upward. Keeping the arms straight, slowly raise the right thumb, while following the motion of the thumb with the eyes.  

On reaching the highest elevation, slowly return to the starting position, all the time keeping the eyes focussed on the thumb without moving the head. Practise the same movement with the left thumb. Repeat 5 times with each thumb. Finally, close and rest the eyes.

Rotational Viewing

Maintain the same body position as in exercise 3. Place the left hand on the left knee and hold the right fist above the right leg. The right thumb should point upward and the arm must be straight. Make a large circular movement with the right thumb, moving to the left, then upward, curving to the right and finally returning to the starting position. Keep the eyes focused on the thumb without moving the head. Repeat the eyes focus on the thumb without moving the head. Repeat this practice 5 times clockwise and 5 times anti-clockwise with each thumb. Finally, close the eyes and rest.

Front and Sideways Viewing

Maintain the same position as exercise 2, but place the left thumb on the left knee so that it points upward. Hold the right thumb to the right of the body so that it points upward. Without moving the head, focus the eyes on the left thumb, then on the right thumb and then return to the left thumb. Repeat this process 15 to 20 times, then rest and close the eyes, practising the technique mentally. Repeat the same procedure on the left side of the body.

Focusing

This improves your visual concentration.  Sit straight and do not stiffen your body. While maintaining this posture, perform the following eye postures:

Without blinking, focus your gaze on your nose tip. Keep focus intact for as long as you can. Now slowly close your eyes and relax.
Look straight without blinking your eyes and focus on your "third eye" (the area between the eyebrows above your nose). Initially, it may seem hard to concentrate, but with regular practice, you’ll be able to focus on the area. It may also cause a mild headache.

Focus both eyes on your left shoulder; do not turn your head in that direction. Remain in this posture for one to two minutes, then close your eyes and relax. The same sequence has to be repeated with the right shoulder. You may find it difficult to do this movement, but this will surely strengthen your eye muscles.

Once you have finished the aforementioned eye exercises, close your eyes and place your palms on your closed eyes.  Take a deep breath and let your body relax.

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