EFFECTS OF YOGIC PRACTICES ON MYOPIA IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN: A PILOT STUDY

Kajal; Prof. Kanchan Joshi; Dr. Vatsala Vats

doi:10.61778/ijmrast.v3i10.192

Authors

Kajal Research Scholar, School of Yogic Science & Naturopathy, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5464-581X
Prof. Kanchan Joshi Dean, School of Yogic Science & Naturopathy, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, India Author
Dr. Vatsala Vats Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical & Health Sciences, Dehradun, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61778/ijmrast.v3i10.192

Keywords:

Pilot Study, Yoga Effect, Myopia Symptoms, School-Going Children, Eye health.

Abstract

Background Myopia is a widespread issue in India, where uncorrected refractive errors are the primary cause of vision impairment. Non-pharmacological and non-surgical approaches, such as yoga, are being explored as complementary strategies to reduce symptoms associated with myopia. Objective This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of yogic practices in alleviating myopia-related symptoms in children. Methods Forty students (aged 10-19 years) from Shri Guru Ram Rai School, Dehradun, diagnosed with myopia (spherical equivalent ≤−0.5 dioptre) were randomly assigned to a yoga protocol group. The intervention consisted of a 4-week structured yoga program (60 minutes daily), including cleansing techniques, asanas, pranayama, mudra and mantra along with specific yoga eye exercises. Symptom changes were measured through parent-reported questionnaires administered before and after the intervention. Paired-sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results Significant improvements were observed across all measured symptoms, with mean differences ranging from 0.60 to 0.90 (60%–90% improvement). The greatest improvements were in difficulty seeing distant objects (mean difference = 0.90, t = 18.74, p < 0.001), frequent blinking (mean difference = 0.85, t = 14.22, p < 0.001), and rubbing of eyes (mean difference = 0.85, t = 14.22, p < 0.001). Substantial reductions were also reported in discomfort, headaches, photophobia, and other related symptoms. Conclusion A structured 4-week yoga program has shown relevant improvement in myopia-related symptoms in school-going children, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy. Further large-scale randomized trials with objective measures are necessary to substantiate these findings and explore the sustained benefits of yoga in managing myopia. This study underscores the potential of yoga as an adjunctive approach to alleviate visual strain and associated discomfort in children with myopia.