Overview

Caused by a mismatch in eye shape and corneal curvature. These are not diseases, but conditions corrected by glasses, lenses, or surgery.

Causes

• Genetic factors
• Excess screen time (esp. myopia)
• Lack of outdoor activity (children)
• Aging (presbyopia)

Symptoms

Myopia:

• Blurry distant vision
• Squinting to see clearly
• Eye strain or headaches

Hyperopia:

• Blurry near vision
• Difficulty reading
• Eye fatigue

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Vision test, refraction test
• Treatment:
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • LASIK or SMILE surgery (for adults)
  • Orthokeratology (night-time lenses)
  • Myopia control drops (atropine, in children)

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Triphala ghrita, Netra tarpana, eye yoga
• Siddha: Herbal rasayanas and diet regulation
• Unani: Eye tonics, Arq Gulab application
• TCM: Acupressure around eye points, Goji berries
• Homeopathy: Ruta, Phosphorus, Calcarea phos
• Nutraceuticals: Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, Vitamin A

Caution

• Self-prescribing glasses may worsen strain
• Screen exposure can accelerate childhood myopia

Prevention

• Outdoor play (2 hours/day for kids)
• Screen 20–20–20 rule
• Regular eye exams (once a year)