Smoking, alcohol, and changing dietary habits have contributed to the surge in lifestyle-induced ocular diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMRD), diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, cataract, pterygium, and computer vision syndrome. For preventing eye diseases and for maintaining ocular health, everyone should follow Ayurveda Dincharya and Ritucharya (daily and seasonal regimen) therapies, specific Rasayana therapy, Sadvritta-palan, Kriya kalpa and Pathya aahara vihara described in Ayurveda.
Causes
Three factors are responsible for the causation of all types of diseases, including ophthalmic problems too.
- Incompatible contact of the eye with visual objects (Asatmyendriyarthasamyoga)
- Misuse of intellect (Pragyaparadha)
- Abnormal cycles of seasons (Rituviparyaya).
The onset of digitalization has changed our lives, but it has also created new health challenges, especially with regard to eye health. Prolonged exposure to screens significantly impacts eye health. Factors such as the use of electronic gadgets, smoking, alcohol consumption, workplace environment and pollution contribute to various eye-related problems.
Prolonged exposure to screens, increased environmental pollution, smoking, alcohol, and changing dietary habits have contributed to the surge in lifestyle-induced ocular diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMRD), diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, cataract, pterygium, and computer vision syndrome. For preventing eye diseases and for maintaining ocular health, everyone should follow Ayurveda Dincharya and Ritucharya therapies, specific Rasayana therapy, Sadvritta-palan, Kriya kalpa and Pathya aahara vihara described in Ayurveda.
Dinacharya (Daily Regimen)
Dincharya regarding maintaining eye health is described in Charak Samhita Sutarasthan chapter 5, Sushruta Samhita Chikitshasthan chapter 24, Astanghrudya Uttarsthan chapter 13 and pathya, apathya in eye diseases has been described in Yogratnakar, Bhaishjyaratnavali in Netrarogadhikaradhyaya. While Charak starts a daily regimen with anjan (eye salve), Sushrut advises Netraprakshalana (eye wash).
- Netraprakshalana (Eye Wash): Washing eyes with decoction of Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), or with cold water after getting up from bed in the morning helps in maintaining clear vision.
- Ushajalapana (Water Intake in Early Morning) & Nasajalapana: Daily intake of water in early morning, either through the mouth or through the nose, purifies the whole GIT and ensures good vision.
- Gandusha: Keeping a mouthful of cold water 2-4 times a day will help to maintain proper eyesight.
- Anjana (Collyrium): Anjana is a method in which the medicine is applied along the inner surface of the eyelid. Souveeranjan or darvi rasa kriya can be mixed with honey and can be applied in the eyes for kapha shodhana, as the eye is Teja predominant and should be protected from kapha dosha. Anjana can dissolve the accumulated vitiated kapha dosha and drain it out; it dilates the blood vessels, thereby increasing the blood flow to the eye and maintains the integrity of netra. A person who is fasting, has taken a head bath, who is awakened at night and a person with fever should not apply the collyrium.
- Nasya: The procedure in which medicines are given through the nasal cavity is called Nasya. The nasal cavity anatomically connects to structures of the head. Due to anatomical communications, the medicine applied through the nasal cavity reaches the areas around the Sringatak Marma and strengthens the "Sringatak Marma," which is the seat of the eye, ear, nose, and tongue. Accumulation of vitiated kapha in the eye can be prevented by the daily application of Pratimarsha Nasya.
Ritucharya (Seasonal Regime)
Due to climatic changes, many changes occur in the physiology of the eye, which may lead to many ocular diseases. When one Ritu is completed, and another one is commenced, the changes in atmosphere trigger many ailments. To get rid of these diseases, Acharyas have mentioned Ritu-Charya under the heading of Ritu Sandhi. One should follow these for the prevention of Netra Rogas in various Ritus.
Kriya Kalpa and Eye Health
Kriyakalpa is a subset of Ayurvedic treatments focusing on eye care. It includes various procedures and medications to prevent and treat eye disorders.
- Tarpana: involves keeping medicated ghee in the eye for nourishment and treating Vataja and Pittaja eye disorders, as well as conditions like computer vision syndrome and retinal diseases.
- Putapaka: is similar to Tarpana but uses herb-extracted medicine, typically performed after Tarpana for eye rejuvenation.
- Seka: involves pouring a thin stream of medicine on closed eyes to treat acute eye conditions.
- Aschyotana: involves applying medicated drops in open eyes, serving as a first-line treatment for ocular inflammation.
- Anjana: applies medicine to the eyelid's mucocutaneous junction, with Sauviranjana used daily and Rasanjana applied at intervals to control excess Kapha dosha, promoting eye health and clarity.
- Pindi: involves applying a medicated herbal paste kept in a fresh thin cloth to the eyes to nourish the eyes and relieve conditions like dryness and fatigue.
- Vidalaka: is the application of a soothing paste around the eyelids, except at the eyelashes, to alleviate burning sensations, redness, and irritation.
Rasayana and Eye Health
Rasayana therapy focuses on rejuvenation and overall health, while Chakshusya Rasayana is specifically aimed at improving eye health. Both approaches help nourish the eyes, prevent degeneration, and promote better vision.
The use of Yastimadhu, Ghrita, Triphala, and Shatavari acts as Rasayana. Acharya Vagbhata has advised that triphala, along with honey and ghrita (butter fat), should be consumed at night daily for strengthening of eyesight. Ghrita (ghee) and Navaneeta are extremely rich in vitamin A and choline with a good amount of Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Niacin and pantothenic acid, Vitamin K, folate, and Vitamin B12 in small amounts. The anti-stiffness factor present in butter prevents hardening of arteries and cataracts.
Yoga and Exercises for Eye Health
It can help reduce strain, improve focus, and promote relaxation. Techniques like Palming relax eye muscles by warming the palms and covering the eyes, while Eye Rolling strengthens eye muscles by rotating them in circles. Trataka, focusing on a fixed object or candle, improves concentration and clarity. Exercises like Blinking lubricate the eyes and reduce dryness, and Distance Gazing eases eye strain by alternating focus between near and far objects. Incorporating deep breathing with Bhramari Pranayama and full body relaxation with Savasana further reduces tension around the eyes and promotes overall eye health.
Matsyasana, Sarvangasana, Surya Namaskar, Shavasana, Trataka, and Neti Kriya support ocular health and improve focus.
Pathya Aahara for the Eye, According to Ayurveda
Many of the classics explained Chakshushya food items and drugs that can be regularly used: Lohitasali (Red rice), Yava (Barley), Mudga (Green gram), Vanyakulattha (Dolichos biflorus), Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Punarnava (Boerhavia procumbens), Patola (Trichosanthes dioeca), Kumari (Aloe vera), Chandan, Karpura, Draksha, Kurma mamsa (Turtle flesh), Nari paya (human milk), cow milk, Hasteeni paya (Elephant milk), Ajaghrit (Ghee prepared from goat milk), Kheerothatakra (Butter milk), Peya, Vilepi, Yusha, Swarna (Gold), Kamsya (Bronze), Mukta (Pearl), Vidruma (Coral), Vajra (Diamond).
Some of the Best Foods to Keep Eyes Healthy
Maintaining a well-balanced diet is key to eye health and may help in reducing the risk of developing eye ailments. Serious eye conditions may be avoided if we include foods that contain a range of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Eye conditions can be prevented with a healthy diet, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eyes, and poor night vision. Eyes need many types of antioxidants to stay healthy. These include: lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, C, E, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. A balanced diet is best created with a variety of proteins, dairy products, fruits, nuts and vegetables.
Apathya Aahara: Amla rasa (Sour), Lavana (Salt), Kshara (Alkali), katurasatmakahara, Masha (Horse gram), Go Dadhi (curd), Atimadhyapaan (excessive alcohol intake), Kalingaka Patrasaka, Phanita, Tambula (Piper betel). Overconsumption of spicy food, junk food, fast food, food that is stored for a long time, and stale food should be avoided.
Pathya Vihara and Apathya Vihara
Pathya Vihara - Proper Sleep: Staying awake in the fiery Pitta hours of late night leads to overexertion. During sleep, the eyes retain functional capacity due to complete rest. Eye exercises: movements of both eyes in up-down, sideways (right-left), and rotational (clockwise-anticlockwise) directions, followed by palming, are very effective in preventing refractive errors. Shatkarmas (Trataka and Netikriya) and Yoga Aasanas (Shirshasana and Suryanamaskara) boost circulation to the blood vessels and capillaries, relax the eyes and over a period of time, are reported to even improve vision.
Apathya Vihara - Vegadharana (Suppression of Natural Urges): Suppression of natural urges has a bad effect on the whole body, but suppression of tears and sleep especially leads to diseases of the eye. Suppression of urges causes vata prakopa, leading to weakness of ocular tissues and strain to the eyes. Prolonged office duties, classroom, meetings and watching TV programs and continuous computer work nowadays are part of a faulty lifestyle and quite evident for suppression of natural urges. Diwaswapna (Habit of day sleep), Ratrijagrana (Awaking in night), Indulgence in Fear, Krodha (anger), Shoka (sorrow).
Ayuvya Eye Drops
It contains powerful Ayurvedic ingredients such as Punarava Root, Rose Flower, Daru Haldi, Haridra, Triphala, Mulethi, and Bhringraj. Punarava helps reduce puffiness and eye strain, while Rose Flower provides a cooling and soothing effect to tired eyes. Daru Haldi and Haridra help cleanse the eyes and support a healthy inflammatory response. Triphala is known for promoting long-term eye health and vision support, while Mulethi and Bhringraj nourish the eyes with their antioxidant properties.
These eye drops help relax tired eyes and provide relief from digital screen fatigue. They can help reduce dryness, redness, and irritation caused by prolonged screen exposure, dust, and environmental pollutants. The formulation gently detoxifies the eyes, helps protect against early signs of eye strain, and supports overall eye wellness for long-term eye comfort and health.
Conclusion
Ayurveda eye care is not only about treating diseases, but it also involves preventive and rejuvenative care that focuses on maintaining optimal eye health through a balanced lifestyle, proper diet and natural remedies. The integration of preventive measures, like protecting the eyes from environmental damage and rejuvenating therapies like kriya kalp procedures, helps ensure long-term vision health. By following Ayurvedic principles, one can promote both the preservation and enhancement of eye function, preventing early degeneration and maintaining visual activity throughout life.
