Eye Care: Ayurvedic Treatment for Conjunctivitis, Trachoma and Cataract

Ayurveda lays stress on personal hygiene, removal of constipation, protection of eyes from dust, smoke, soot, fire/ sparks, mechanical injuries, chemicals etc. Too bright or too dim light, reading under moon-light are also some of the other causes. Ayurveda is based on theory of three humors viz., vata (wind, Air), kapha (phlegm) and pitta (bile). Whenever there is imbalance in the said humors diseases will surface.

Moreover, Prakriti (nature, temperament or tendency) of a person will also depend on these three humors viz. Vata Prakriti, Kapha Prakriti and Pitta Prakriti. Dominance of one dosha determines Prakriti (Nature of Disease) of a person.

Eye-sight can be adversely affected if there is aggravation of vayu/pitta. Ayurveda, being a holistic therapy, aims to root out the basic causative factor and then treats the symptom(s). If root cause is not detected and eliminated, the disease will resurface time and again.

CONJUNCTIVITIS

It is a state of an inflammation of the conjunctiva (muscus membrane that connects the eyeball and inner eyelid). If it prolongs and remains untreated it might cause ulceration of the cornea. There is also abnormal redness, swelling, pain, difficulty in looking in the sun/electric light. There could be errors of refraction (a state when a patient needs glasses to have a normal vision), apart from congestion of the conjunctiva. Some patients feel presence of sand, burning, itching, stinging sensation, dread of light (Photophobia), discharge of mucus.

To begin with, mix borax powder in lukewarm water and then blink the eyes. Mix alum, rock salt, Candied sugar (3 gms each) and 6 gms of Rasaut to 120 ml of rose water. Mix the contents and shake well. Put 4-6 drops of that solution in each eye at an interval of 4-6 hours. For local application prepare a paste from Haridra lavang (4 gms), Elua (4 gms), roasted allum (4 gms) and 1 gm of onion and reduce to fine paste form and apply over the eye lids (but not in the eyes).

In chronic stage of the disease use Rasanjanadi, Rasakriya in the form of collyrium (Surma). Roast 30 ml of Triphala decoction with 250 gm of roasted alum and use as eye-drops (6-8 drops in each eye 4-6 times daily). Also give Netrashni Rasa with 10-12 gms of Mahatriphaladi Ghrita before, during and after the main course meals. Avoid spices, substances like, red chillies, to avoid strain on eyes use dark goggles. If constipation persists, take a tsp of Triphala powder with hot water or hot milk at bed-time.

TRACHOMA

It is also known as granulated lids or granular conjunctivitis, when small red pimples appear on the inner surface of upper and lower eyelids. It is said to be one of the leading factors for causing progressive loss of eye-sight. In chronic stage scarring and shrinking of the conjunctiva, inward turning of eyelids, loss of corneal transparency, (with resultant dimness or even loss of vision), presence of superficial blood vessels cornea being covered with a hazy film, sago like granulations are some of the leading symptoms that point to presence of trachoma.

Wash eyes with purified alum mixed powder after every 4-6 hours. Some experts opine that if 2-3 drops of mustard oil are dropped into each eye, it will provide much relief. All the cautions and guidelines, mentioned under-conjunctivitis, apply equally here also.

CATARACT

This condition is noticed when the lens of the eye loses its transparency resulting in, more or less, complete blockade of vision. The patient is unable to see objects—whether near or distant. This condition denotes emergence of cataract which generally develops from the age of 50 onwards but, in rare cases, may even surface earlier. In diabetic patients onset of cataract is rather much earlier. Appearance of cataract at mature age (Senile Cataract) is a common phenomenon which can be set right by surgical operation.

But if the treatment is delayed the patient may lose his vision even. The patient sees floating of specs/bright objects seen to be multiplied especially when trying to spot/see bright light at a distance in the dark which condition is a moderate short sightedness but can be managed by wearing suitable spects. The patient may be less blind in the dusk (in the evening) than in the bright light because only centre part of the lens is affected and non-opaque (clear) part round the eye edge permits the light to reach inner (part) of the eye. According to Ayurvedic therapy aggravation of vayu (vata) dries up the eye-ball to render it opaque.

When the opacity of lens is just beginning to develop (that is the initial stage), give 2 tsp of Mahatriphala Ghrita mixed in a glassful of hot milk twice daily (in the morning and evening). This is the most specific and effective medicine to be used at the inception stage or onset of cataract. Rub Chandrodaya Vati in honey or breast milk on a pastle and reduce to fine paste form, which should be applied to the eyes 2-3 times daily.

It may cause slight irritation but it helps to promote tears (lacrimation) and blood circulation and, thus, nourishment to the eye tissues. Also wash the eyes with Triphala water (Soak equal quantity of Amla, Harar and Bahera, in water and keep overnight in a container). Rest of the water should be taken internally—it will also help to eliminate constipation.

Avoid bitter, sour, pungent foodstuffs but take spinach, fenugreek, lady’s fingers, drumsticks, pomegranate, banana, carrots, apples, oranges, grapes etc in (moderate) quantity. Also avoid exposure to sun and heat, emotional and mental strain. Keep vayu and pitta under control, as they are said to cause and also aggravate the problem. When the cataract has fully matured, the same has to be surgically removed, as medicines cannot be of any use, at the maturity stage.

Use Cow’s milk, curd, whey, butter in moderate quantity.

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