Treating Dry Eyes With Ayurveda

The dry eyes syndrome refers to a condition wherein the eyes of the patient become extremely dry and cause uneasiness. The reason for this dryness is associated with a reduction in the production of tears or in excessive evaporation of the tears. This can also happen due to some abnormality or anomaly in the production of right amount of lipids/ mucus from the tear duct. A combination of more than one of these reasons can also be present.

There are many schools of medicinal treatments for this condition. One of these is Ayurveda. Discussed below, is the relation between Ayurveda and this condition; and also the ways of treating dry eyes with Ayurveda.

treating dry eyes with ayurveda

  • In Ayurveda, dry eye is correlated to something known as- “Shushkaakshi Pala” and the treatment of the condition is based on the underlying philosophy. It is believed that tears- “ashru/ aasu” are one of the un-suppressible and anything that suppresses this will lead to pain and discomfort in the eyes. So the best step to correct them is to never suppress tears. Also don’t expose your eyes to extreme dry atmosphere. When in such atmospheres it is best to shut your eyelids as frequently as possible.
  • Digestion issues and imbalance in the doshas can also result in dry eye. If this is the case, it is suggested that if metabolism is the issue, then you should do asana (yoga poses) which correct your stomach and the dry eye will be cured as a result.
  • Many eye exercises that are a part of Ayurveda are practiced by many people as a daily routine. Making a routine of these exercises is also helpful in treating dry eyes as they strengthen the ducts and nerves in the eye/ eye socket. The exercise is- close your eyes and rotate them in circular motions clockwise and anti-clockwise. Also rotate them up down and left right.

Netra Tarpan

This term refers to a specific “kriya” i.e. activity under Ayurveda which is used to cure many eye disorders. Under this procedure lukewarm ghee (the medicated ghee not household ghee) is held stagnant in and over the eyes of the patient. This is done for a certain specific period of time; it provides a lot of nourishment to the eyes and hence cures disorders.

Abhyanga

This word in Sanskrit means- oil massage; and in Ayurveda it is used to refer to a specific medicinal oil massage. The body is massage with large amounts of oil which is pre-medicated with medicinal plants/ herbs and is then warmed before the massage. This is massage is also an Ayurvedic technique which treats dry eye.

Shirodhara

This is another Ayurvedic therapy which is observed as a way to treat dry eye or any other sort of stiffness in the eye. This therapy instantly relaxes and calms all the nerves and the mind of the individual and has a completely cleansing effect. It is important to get this condition checked and treated as soon as possible. If left unchecked for too long it may lead to the inflammation of eye surface. It can also lead to ulcers in the eye, scars on cornea, excessive pain and even loss of eyesight in some severe cases.