Catarrh dims eye-sight when its infection spreads to the duct connecting the nose with the eyes, and the sinuses surrounding the eye-sockets. The weakness of sight persists even though when the Catarrh trouble has apparently been healed.
For an improvement of sight Sutra-neti accompanied by Vyutkrama, Shitakrama and Siddha netis done with water, mik or mixture of milk and almond oil according to the nature of the patient proves very useful. These practices drain off Catarrh from the duct and the sinuses, tone up optical muscles and nerves, and help in the proper circulation of blood.
Overstraining the eyes by reading thin type, working in dimlight, or doing office work constantly for many hours is harmful. If possible perfect rest should be given to the eyes during the course of treatment. Nourishing diet and light exercise consisting of some Asanas (below) and morning walk on grassy land is conducive to hasty recovery. ‘Shirshasana‘ should be regularly practised after the Neti. Its process is given as under:-
Shirshasna
Rest the crown of the head on the folded hands placed over a smooth cushion. Keeping the balance on the forearms raise the legs in the air till the body becomes vertically erect. In the beginning a helper shall be needed to raise the legs and support the body. Its practice should be increased from 15 seconds to 15 minutes in slow progression.
The Trataka Kriya is also very helpful in the improvement of eyesight. It is described below:-
Trataka Kriya
Look without winking the eyelids at a minute object with your mind concentrated till the tears come into the eyes. Its duration will itself increase with daily practice and with it shall gradually improve the vision.*
All these practices may be conveniently done in the following order:-
1. Sutra-neti.
2. Vyut-krama, Shita-krama and Siddha netis.
3. Trataka.
4. Shirsh-asana.
*C.f. Hathayoga Pradipika
निरीक्षेन्निश्चलदृशा सूक्ष्म लक्ष्यं समाहित:।
अश्रुसंपातपर्यंतमाचार्यै स्त्राटकं स्मृतम्॥ 2 31
मोचनं नेत्ररोगाणां तंद्रादीनांकपाटकम्।
यत्नतस्त्राटकं गोप्यं यथा हाटकपेटकम्॥ 2 32
Tr.:- Look without winking the eye-lids at a minute object with your mind concentrated till the tears come into the eyes. This is called Trataka by the Acharyas.
By ‘Trataka’ all the diseases of the eyes and sloth are removed. So it should be carefully preserved secretly as a golden casket.