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The eye is a vital organ in human anatomy. Any condition of the eyes, like dark circles, puffiness, soreness, or poor eyesight is indicative of changes in the blood circulation of composition or muscle tone, etc. It is often an early symptom of an approaching disease of the heart or kidney anemia or malnutrition. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are frequently the result of eye strain.

In Yoga, there is a close relationship between the mind and the vision. Hence relaxation, concentration, and mental hygiene are affected by not caring for the eyes. The cure for eye strain is either closing the eyes frequently or focusing on a distant object (maybe horizon).

The yogic kriya of Concentration on the Sun (Surya Dhyana) fulfill the need for the hygiene of the eyes. The sun's rays have a hygienic and therapeutic effect on the eye. This claim of ancient Yoga is now confirmed by modern leading ophthalmologists.

Surya Dhyana involves looking at the Sun with the eyes wide open in a relaxed manner when it is not covered by clouds, as long as the eyes are not strained or until tears come into the eyes. The best time for this Sun gazing is when the Sun rays are not too strong, i.e., an hour or so after sunrise and an hour or so before sunset.

Myopia and hypermetropia are defects of the eyes caused due to the altered shape of the eyeball. It happens due to the weakness or hardness of the muscles that hold the eyeball. Certain eye exercises can affect both vision and mind. It can improve eyesight and make the smallest particle visible. It can cure eye inflammation, trachoma, sties, and common eye problems. 

The following four gazes suffice the need of ocular hygiene and prevent the common defects for the eyes. During the gazes, sit straight keeping the head, neck, and back in one straight line. Practice the gaze till it is comfortable. Rest the eyes and repeat. Do not spend more than two minutes in any gaze.

Nasal Gaze: Fix the eyes on the tip of the nose. This is called Nasikagra Trataka.

Eyebrow Gaze: Focus the eyes on the space between the eyebrows. It is called Bhumadhya Trataka.

Right Shoulder Gaze: Fix the eyes on the end of the right shoulder. It is called Vamajatru Trataka.

Left Shoulder Gaze: Fix the eyes on the end of the right shoulder. It is called Dakshinjatru Trataka.

Splashing water in the open eyes improves circulation of blood and lymph in the eyes. It stirs up the pathogenetic deposits in the tissues and squeezes them out.

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