Vision

Seeing the increasing number of children wearing glasses to read, I thought, it is worth sharing some ancient knowledge and some sensible analysis of vision.

Now a days , most people believe modern science only  because their primary education in the schools  deal with the basics of modern science only.

Now let us see what our ancient Rishis told

Indriya is the term  given for sensory organs.

In general any Indriya can go wrong due to three types of use.

1.       Heenayoga  --  (Less Use)

2.       Athiyoga     --  (OverUse)

3.       Mithyayoga --  (Improper Use looking at sun, welding arc etc)

This is true  for each and every organ also.

Now let us think in terms of some modern knowledge we have about vision .

The receptors of light inside the retina are of two types Rods and Cones.

The amount of light falling on the retina is controlled by the aperture size of Pupil.

Then suppose the amount of lght falling is natural light only, it can be easily controlled by the ordinary mechanisms of Iris.

But if the light is artificial?

It may not be possible for the iris to decrease the light to safe limits.

Let us take a deviation from the topic for a little while

We all have seen patients who have had plastering for  fractures.

Once the plaster is removed , have we not noticed that all the muscles have shrunk in size?

And once exercise is resumed , it gains back its original size.

Why does this happen?

Body has a peculiar character – called as “Disuse Atrophy”

Those parts of the body which are not functioning undergoes atrophy – Degeneration

In other words body will destroy unused portions, whatever maybe the organ.

Now let us come back to our vision again.

If the amount of light falling on the retina is more than that is required even after possible correction by Iris, then what will happen?

Common sense says, body will be forced to reduce the number of receptors

So the use of higher illumination, powered glasses etc will contribute to this

Precisely this is the reason why people of about my age who used to read in their childhood in candle light found it difficult to open their eyes when a 15 watt bulb was first switched on in their room, but cannot read in spite of  2 to 4  40 watt tubelights are glowing in their rooms now.

Hence my advice is

Use minimum illumination required

Avoid the above said 3 causes.

Give proper exercise for eye muscles