An ayurvedic protocol to manage myopia in children: A case series

Abstract

Introduction: Myopia is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in children, especially schoolchildren. The most common management option is prescription of corrective spectacles, but these neither correct nor prevent progression of the error. The cardinal symptom of myopia, the inability to see distant objects, may be compared with Timira (blurring of vision) in Ayurveda. Case Series: The cases of three children who presented to Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital with the blurring of vision and who were diagnosed with myopia are presented here. Intervention: The children underwent specially tailored Ayurvedic treatment protocols, which included oral medicines, Netra Kriyakalpa (ocular therapeutics), and treatments for the head. Results: Improvement in visual acuity and refraction was observed at the end of the treatments. Multiple follow-ups demonstrated either improvement or maintenance of visual acuity. Conclusion: The main challenge for the patients was maintaining and improving vision. The results of the series indicate the potential of Ayurvedic treatments to both manage myopia and to maintain, and improve in some cases, vision in children.