Eye Diseases - Ayurvedic Concept

Eyes being one of the most important organs in Ayurveda, all five elements play a role in maintaining eye health. Earth (prithivi) governs the muscular part of the eye, fire (tejas) rules the blood vessels, air (vayu) governs the color, water (apu) dominates the white area, and space (akasha) controls the tear ducts and channels.According to ayurvedic studies, eye problems are caused by upsetting of one of the three doshas namely an imbalance in vata, pitta or kapha doshas.

Improper Eye care can result in the following:

* Impaired vision (need of glasses)

* Cataracts

* Damaged Retinas

* Blindness

Causes

* Vata disorders in the eye tend to lead to dryness, poor vision and eyestrain.

* Pitta imbalances cause burning, inflammation, yellow pus, and redness.

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TREATMENT

Ayurvedic eye treatment varies for each problem. Few eye strengthening and purifying treatments are use of triphala eyewash, eye bright infusion and netra vasti. Cooling herbs such as roses, sandalwood, coriander leaves, and Indian eyeliner (kajal) also improve vision. A drop of pure castor oil in the eyes is also healing for vata and pitta eye diseases. As shatavari is high in vitamin A and gooseberry in vitamin C these strengthen the eyes connective tissue integrity. As per Ayurveda it is vital to protect the eyes from chemicals, overstrain, sunlight and internal toxins. Heat too increases degeneration of the eyes connective tissue so one should avoid hot hair dryers, hot water on the face, alcohol based cosmetics around the eyes. Yogic eye exercises are indeed helpful to maintain clarity of vision. Above all a diet, rich in antioxidants such as fresh fruit and vegetables will result in strong eyes.