Childhood Myopia and Ayurvedic Preventive Ophthalmology, Integrating Outdoor Exposure, Dincharya, and Ocular Development: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background. Childhood myopia has reached pandemic proportions, with a global prevalence
rising from 24.3% in 1990 to 35.8% in 2023. Projections indicate that by 2050, over 740 million
children will be myopic. Conventional interventions target disease progression rather than
primary prevention. Ayurveda offers a comprehensive preventive framework, Dincharya (daily
regimen), specifically designed to preserve visual health.
Methods. A scoping review of peer-reviewed- literature (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE,
Cochrane Library; inception to February 2025) was conducted using the keywords childhood
myopia, outdoor time, dopamine, Ayurveda, Dincharya, Netra Tarpana, Triphala, Nasya, and
Padabhyanga. Only original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses- were included.
Results. A dose-response meta-analysis showed-- that increasing outdoor time to 16.3
hours/week reduced myopia onset risk by 53% (OR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34–0.82). This effect is
mediated by intensity-dependent- retinal dopamine release. Myopic children also exhibit lower
nocturnal melatonin levels and delayed circadian timing. Ayurveda’s Dincharya practices Netra
Prakshalana (Triphala eyewash), Nasya (Anu Taila), Padabhyanga (foot massage) and Netra
Tarpana (medicated ghee retention) show evidence of antioxidant, neuro-nourishing and
ocular-surface stabilizing actions.
Conclusions. The integration of structured outdoor exposure with Ayurvedic Dincharya creates
a synergistic, low-cost-, and scalable primary prevention strategy for childhood myopia. This
integrative approach addresses both environmental triggers (inadequate light) and lifestyle
deficits (irregular sleep, circadian misalignment, and digital eye strain).