In this section we shall discuss two conditions of the eye which are both related to aging namely cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye.
The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.
A cataract starts out small, it has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting. Or you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.
What Causes a Cataract?
No one knows for sure why the eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. Apart from the aging, people with diabetes, users of steroids, diuretics and major tranquilizers, are at higher risk for developing a cataract. Other risk factors include life style related problems such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption.An artificial lens (IOL) is implanted in the eye in place of your clouded natural lens. Think about surgery when your cataracts have progressed enough to seriously impair your vision and affect your daily life.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly The appearance of macular degeneration increases with age. Genetic predisposition appears to be more directly related to early-onset macular degenerations in this condition, the central portion of the retina (the macula) deteriorates, and central vision can be lost. Central vision is the "high-definition" vision that is required for reading, driving, watching television, recognizing people and performing many other activities of daily living. There may be increased risk of falls, fractures and depression in this population. Peripheral vision generally remains intact. The two currently proven treatments are laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy, but these measures are effective in only a small number of people. Vision rehabilitation can help).
What is the role of yoga in cataract and age related macular degeneration?
There is enough evidence today to show that modern life style of speed,hurry, worry, smoking, lack of exercise, wrong eating and sleeping habits are all associated with many early aging diseases which are all on the increase. Just like heart disease or early graying of the hair or baldness or diabetes, cataract and AMD are also the manifestation of this generalized rapid pace of aging.
Hence prevention of the disease is to be achieved by healthy habits of living which is the only right answer to many of these eye problems .Yoga provides the right mind set for a healthy and happy life style though both its philosophy as well as the practices. We are realizing the need for a value based holistic understanding of the goals and aims of life rather than just a material progress. We have no time and value for inner growth with emotional stability, rest and relaxation .Hence yoga introduced from childhood as a part of education should help a person go through the ups and downs of life with a balanced psyche and prevent many of the problems of aging.
Apart from the preventive aspect, yoga can improve the basic level of health in all its aspects including mental, social and spiritual components which is recognized by WHO in its definition of health. Yoga as defined by sri Aurobindo says that this is a technique to improve the total personality of the individual at physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual levels. Hence it is very important to take up yoga on a regular basis from youth itself to prevent these problems. This process of promotion of positive health is necessary for delaying the whole aging process to maintain youth for long time.
Once the aging changes of the eye have started regular practices of tratakas as described in this series for 20 minutes two times a day can prevent the progression of the disease and also improve the vision .In the program of integrated approach of yoga therapy for these two conditions you should also practice the basic set of 8 asansas, pranayama and meditation through chanting of A,U,M, and Om . Yogic life style change includes the adaptation of bhakti and karma yoga to change our attitude towards life events. Harmonious, easy, contented, loving ,caring life style with minimum wants for ego satisfaction is the goal of full expression of the personality and this is the secrete of ageless body.
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