Quick and Simple Tips to Combat Presbyopia and Maintain Clear Vision

Acupressure massage can help delay and improve presbyopia. Image Point Fr/Shutterstock

Health Viewpoints

Presbyopia is a common age-related eye condition that typically begins around age 40 and deteriorates until around age 65. I am over 70 years old and still don’t need reading glasses. I'd like to share some natural methods to slow down and improve presbyopia, including acupressure, eye exercises, and dietary supplements, to help preserve vision health.

Presbyopia primarily occurs due to the hardening of the eye’s crystalline lens, affecting its ability to focus on close objects, resulting in blurriness. If you find yourself squinting or holding things far away to see clearly, or even needing to remove your reading glasses to focus, these are signs of presbyopia.

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Modern lifestyles involving frequent use of electronic devices contribute to eye fatigue and exacerbate vision problems such as blurriness and presbyopia.

In the United States, presbyopia is highly prevalent. Statistics from 2015 indicated that the prevalence of presbyopia among adults aged 45 and above in the United States ranged from 83 percent to 88.9 percent.

Acupoints to Improve Presbyopia

Firstly, let’s learn about massaging acupressure points, or acupoints, around the eyes. This can promote blood circulation, relax eye muscles, and alleviate presbyopia. The following acupoints can be targeted:

1. Fish Lumbus (Ex-HN4): This is located in the depression at the midpoint of the eyebrows.
2. Pupil Bone Hole (GB 1): This is located in the depression on the lateral side of the orbit.
3. Tear Container (ST 1): This is located in the depression below the orbit.
4. Bright Eyes (BL 1): This is located in the depression above the nasal bone and next to the inner canthus.
5. Bamboo Gathering (BL 2): This is located at the medial extremity of the eyebrow or on the supraorbital notch.

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According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), meridians are pathways through which the body’s energy flows, connecting internal organs with various body parts. Specific points along these meridians, known as acupoints, can be stimulated through techniques like acupuncture or massage to treat corresponding organ-related issues.

Gently press these points using the knuckles of your index fingers. Start from the Fish Lumbus (Ex-HN4) and proceed to the other points around the eyes until you reach the Bamboo Gathering (BL 2). Perform this massage dozens of times daily, holding each point for a few seconds. This can aid in improving presbyopia.

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Massaging acupoints on the fingers and ears can also benefit the eyes:

1. Stop Drooling (T 11.25): This is located on the radial margin of the first joint of the thumb.
2. Gynecology (T 11.24): This is located on the ulnar margin of the first joint of the thumb.
3. Greater Bone Hollow (Ex-UE5): This is located in the middle of the first joint of the thumb.
4. Earth Ear (T 99.04): This is located in the depression of the helix crus of the ear.
5. Exciting Point (T 99.21): This is slightly higher on the tragus.
6. Emphysema (T 99.20): This is located above the tragus (the cartilage in front of the earlobe).

The Epoch Times

The Epoch Times

Apply gentle pressure on these acupoints using the index finger and thumb. For the acupoints on the ears, close your eyes and alternate between pressing them for about half an hour daily. Regular acupressure can help improve vision clarity, whether one suffers from presbyopia, myopia, or even amblyopia (lazy eye).

Eye Exercises for Improved Vision

Eye exercises can also be beneficial. These train the ciliary muscle responsible for changing the shape of the lens, enabling it to quickly contract and relax, thereby improving the lens’ focusing ability for objects at different distances.

Play Badminton or Table Tennis

These sports involve tracking the ball and exercising your ciliary muscle by rapidly focusing on objects at different distances.

Near-Far Focus Practice

Focus your eyes on your thumb or an object held close, then quickly shift your gaze to read distant text or view a picture. Alternate between focusing on near and far objects, performing this exercise multiple times daily. Consistent practice will enhance the flexibility of the ciliary muscle.

Caring for Your Eyes Through Diet

Lastly, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial. Consuming foods beneficial for the eyes can supply the nutrients retinal cells require and contribute to eye health protection.

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Red, yellow, or green produce are good for the eyes. For example, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, kiwi fruits, and apples are rich in vitamin A, anthocyanins, and selenium, which can enhance the function of the photosensitive cells in the retina.

In addition, wolfberries (goji berries) and chrysanthemum flowers can be brewed into tea to help protect eyesight. These traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients are available at health food stores or Asian groceries.

However, as individual constitutions vary, consulting a professional physician for a specific treatment plan is advisable if you experience severe presbyopia or other eye-related issues.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.