As people age, their bodily functions gradually decline, making them susceptible to various ailments. Presbyopia is a common eye condition that significantly disrupts daily life. So how can older adults prevent presbyopia? Experts suggest that massage can protect eye health and help prevent presbyopia.
Proper Massage Techniques Can Prevent Presbyopia
In a sense, presbyopia is also a manifestation of the body's aging process. Of course, presbyopia isn't solely due to old age; it also depends on pre-existing refractive conditions and factors like lifestyle habits and occupation. For instance, people accustomed to viewing objects at a close distance of 20 centimeters will need reading glasses earlier than those who typically view objects at distances beyond 40 centimeters.Additionally, weakened ciliary muscle function due to physical debility or chronic illness can accelerate the onset of presbyopia.
Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes presbyopia to deficiency of kidney essence and blood. Therefore, dietary supplementation is a primary treatment approach. Seniors with presbyopia may consume soups or congees made with black beans, black sesame seeds, goji berries, and chrysanthemum flowers. It is also important to increase intake of foods rich in vitamins A and B.Examples include animal organs like pork liver, soy products, eggs, leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin, walnuts, and lychees.
Additionally, warm compresses can help prevent and manage presbyopia. Fold a dedicated towel in half, soak it in hot water, wring it out, and let it cool slightly until it's warm but not hot. Place it over both eyes.Keep your eyes open to allow the warmth to directly affect the eyeballs. Once the towel cools, re-soak it in water, wring it out, and reapply. Repeat this process three times. After the compress, massage the corners of the eyes, eyeballs, eye sockets, and temples. Elderly individuals should then feel their eyes become moisturized, refreshed, and experience clearer vision.Consistent long-term practice yields better results. For instance, during morning and evening face-washing routines, briefly soak the washcloth in hot water, remove it without wringing it too dry, fold it immediately, and place it warm over the forehead and eyes. Tilt the head back slightly, gently close the eyes, and maintain this for about one minute. Persisting with this routine for half a year can significantly improve blurred vision in the elderly.
For exercise, seniors with blurred vision can focus on localized massage and heat therapy. For localized massage: Use the tips of both index fingers to press the Jingming acupoints at the inner corners of the eyes. Apply pressure for about 30 seconds each time, until the skin feels slightly flushed, warm, and mildly tender.Then use the backs of both thumbs to massage the Zanzhu acupoints (located where the eyebrows furrow) for 1 minute each session, once in the morning and once in the evening. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the eyes are connected to all five major organs, with particularly close relationships to the spleen, kidneys, and liver. The spleen governs the eyelids, the kidneys govern the pupils, and the liver governs the iris. Eye bathing and massage methods promote smooth circulation of qi and blood in the eye area, nourishing the eyes.Therefore, preventing presbyopia can be achieved through proper massage. First, lightly clench both fists with thumbs bent, then use the backs of the thumbs to gently rub each upper eyelid 10–20 times. Next, use both thumbs to knead the temples on both sides, massaging clockwise and counterclockwise over ten times each.Finally, use the thumb and index finger of your right hand to pinch the Yintang acupoint between your eyebrows, pinching and pulling about ten times. Then, use your left hand to stroke down from the hairline at the back of your head to the nape of your neck about ten times. Preventing Presbyopia with Two Vegetable Juices Tomato and Cucumber Juice 150g cucumber, 150g tomato, 5ml lemon juice.Slice the cucumber. Soak the tomato in warm water, peel, and chop finely. Place both in a juicer to extract the juice. Add lemon juice and mix well. Drink twice daily, morning and evening, or consume as a beverage in divided servings. This dietary remedy is suitable for all types of presbyopia.
Celery and Lotus Root Juice
150g celery,150g lotus root, 100g cucumber, 5ml lemon juice. Remove leaves from celery and chop into small pieces. Trim lotus root, dice into small cubes. Slice cucumber. Place all ingredients in a juicer. Add lemon juice and mix well.Take twice daily, morning and evening. Alternatively, consume as a beverage in divided servings. This dietary remedy is suitable for all types of presbyopia.
Beyond maintaining eye hygiene, regular exercises, and strengthening eye care, dietary adjustments are crucial for managing presbyopia.