A protocol for management of presbyopia through ancient yogic eye purificatory method: A randomized controlled trial

Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition observed in older people (who are above 40 years), whereby there is a gradual loss of the ability to focus on near items. Some common symptoms include seeing near as blurred, eye strain, and a headache, which may impair the quality of life. The general solution to presbyopia using corrective lenses or surgery interventions has been available. But the emergent philosophy focuses on non-pharmacological methods, such as yogic eye practice and Trataka Kriya. This technique involves steady gazing designed to enhance the function of ocular muscles and improve near vision. This current study outlines a single-blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate Trataka Kriya's effectiveness in managing presbyopia. A total of 286 participants will be recruited, all above 35 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of presbyopia. The participants will be randomly allocated into two groups, where one will receive standard medical care and the other will receive the practice of Trataka Kriya in addition to standard medical care. The intervention plan will be 12 weeks, where visual acuity, eye strain, and other eye-related characteristics will be assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention. The primary outcomes will be near visual acuity and eye strain, with secondary outcomes including other eye-related characteristics. The protocol outlines key criteria to evaluate whether the addition of Trataka Kriya to standard care is effective in improving near vision and reducing eye strain symptoms in individuals with presbyopia.

Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI); Registration number: CTRI/2023/09/057523; Registration Date: September 12, 2023.