Yoga for Young Eyes: Exploring the Effects on Visual Acuity in Adolescents

Abstract: Visual acuity is a crucial aspect of eye health, significantly influencing overall quality of life. Vision impairment is a significant global health issue, impacting an estimated 2.2 billion individuals. A substantial proportion of these cases, roughly 1 billion, could be prevented or treated with proper care. India has made notable progress in reducing blindness through targeted initiatives, with its National Program for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment contributing to a decline in blindness prevalence. According to global health research, around 33.6 million people worldwide are blind, and 206 million experience moderate to severe visual impairment. This study aimed to investigate the impact of yogic practices on visual acuity among school children. A group of 60 students, comprising 33 females (55%) and 27 males (45%) aged 10-19 years, participated in the study. The participants were engaged in yogic practices and underwent ocular vision tests using Snellen's Chart before and after the yogic intervention. The data collection process involved Snellen's Chart tests to determine visual acuity, and paired sample t-tests were calculated using SYSTAT 13 to identify significant changes between pre-test and post-test values. The results revealed a significant decline in visual acuity for both eyes, as indicated by the p-values. Furthermore, a notable decrease was observed in the mean values of the post-test. These findings suggest that incorporating yogic practices into school curricula may have a positive impact on visual health among children. By promoting eye health and addressing vision problems early on, schools can play a vital role in ensuring the overall development and well-being of their students. The study results highlight the potential benefits of incorporating yogic practices into school curricula thus promoting visual health and overall well-being among children.