Vision – Window to the world
Ayurveda Netra Chikitsa (Ayurveda Eye treatment)
Ayurveda explains perfectly the structure, functioning, and treatment of ailments of eyes in Shalakya Tantra, one of the eight branches of Ayurveda. It offers a detailed study of etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that affect organs above the neck i.e., head, ears, nose, eyes, throat, etc. Of the three main classics of Ayurveda, ‘Susrutha Samhitha’ provides the most profound knowledge on this branch of treatment. Shalakya tantra is a specialty department that can be pursued after completion of B.A.M.S. The ancient Ayurvedic texts deal with 76 eye, 28 ear, and 31 nose diseases.
Common causes of eye disorders in today’s world – Today’s lifestyle and work atmosphere along with the use of modern appliances and gadgets for work and entertainment, like televisions and computers, are taking a heavy toll on the general health and well-being of the eyes. People tend to forget that eyes too need exercise as well as rest for their proper functioning. Working for hours before the computer or watching television for a prolonged time and that too without enough blinking is very dangerous to the eyes. It makes the eyes dry and scrappy. Today, a large section of children are myopic, the major culprit for this being television.
Ayurveda treatments are very effective in eye disorders. There are different procedures that are practiced to treat the disorder of the eye as well as to enhance the excellence of its functioning. They include tarpana, seka, aschyotana, pindi, bidalaka, anjana and shirovasthi. All the eye treatments are very effective in eye disorders especially Tarpana.
Tarpana (Nourishing eye bath) – Unique procedure of application of Sneha (unctuousness) to the eyes is tarpana. It is used for relieving dryness of eyes, blurring of vision, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, fifth cranial nerve disorders, painful eyes, watering of eyes, corneal opacity, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, swollen eyes, tired eyes, dark circles under eyes, and falling of eyelashes.
Seka (Eyewash) – The procedure of pouring thin streams of herbal liquids over the closed eye from a height of 4 finger breath is Seka. It helps in curing pain in the eyes and conjunctivitis.
Aschyotana (Eye drops) – It is a unique therapy of dropping medicines in liquid form on the eyes with the eyes kept open. It is effective in all types of conjunctivitis.
Pindi (Eye bandage) – It is the procedure of bandaging the paste of herbs on the eyes. It is useful in ulcerations and conjunctivitis.
Bidalaka – Simple smearing of herbal paste on the skin surface of the eyelids avoiding eyelashes is Bidalaka.
Anjana (Collyrium) – The application of medicine to the inner aspect of the eyelid is Anjana. It can be done with a special rod or finger. It is useful in cataracts, pterigium, night blindness, corneal opacity, sleep disturbances and also makes the eye beautiful.
Shirobasti – It is the retention of oil in the scalp by pasting a leather cap in the head. This is beneficial in curing diseases arising in the head. It bestows highly beneficial effects.
All these procedures give desired results when administered with suitable internal medicines.
Home remedies for simple eye problems
For blepharitis and stye – Wet a clean cloth with warm water. Hold the cloth over your eyes for five minutes. Re-wet the cloth with warm water when it cools. Gently rub the washcloth over your eyelids to loosen any debris.
For itching with inflammation – Dip cotton in rose water and place it on the closed eyes for 5 minutes. Repeat twice daily. Rosewater is one of the most effective home remedies for itchy eyes.
For irritation and puffiness – Cucumber contains anti-irritation properties that help in reducing inflammation, puffiness, swelling, and irritation happening in your eyes. Wash cucumber properly and then cut it into thin slices and then put them over your eyes. Repeat the process four to five times a day.
For itchy eyes – Take fenugreek seeds and soak them in water for seven to eight hours and then make a smooth paste out of it. Now apply the paste over your eyes and leave it for twenty minutes. Finally wash the paste off from your eyes with cold water. Repeat it twice daily.
For swollen eyes – Tea contains bioflavonoids that fight viral and bacterial infections and can help reduce inflammation. Use moist green tea bag as eye pad. Repeat several times a day. The tannic acid in the tea will soothe the itching.
For fatigue eyes – Wash your eyes with plain water frequently. This soothes them. It also cleanses the eyes and relieves congestion.