In Ayurveda, the eyes (Netra) are considered one of the most delicate and vital sense organs. They are primarily governed by Pitta dosha, especially a subtype called Alochaka Pitta, which is responsible for visual perception. Disturbances in Vata (dryness, nerve sensitivity), Pitta (inflammation), and Kapha (blockages, clouding) can lead to various eye disorders.

Ayurveda emphasizes prevention and rejuvenation, not just symptom relief. Netra Chikitsa provides both curative and maintenance care for the eyes through herbal, detoxifying, and nourishing therapies.

👁️ Common Eye Conditions Treated

🧴 Ayurvedic Eye Treatments

1. Netra Tarpana – Nourishing Eye Rejuvenation

What It Is:
A deeply nourishing therapy where medicated ghee (clarified butter) is retained in a well around the eyes for a specific period.

Procedure:

• A dough ring made of black gram flour is placed around the eyes.

• Warm, medicated ghee (like Triphala Ghrita or Jeevantyadi Ghrita) is gently poured and held over the open and closed eyes.

• Duration: 10–30 minutes, based on the condition.

Benefits:

• Lubricates and strengthens eye muscles

• Relieves dryness, burning, and fatigue

• Improves visual acuity and slows early cataract development

• Calms Vata-Pitta imbalances in the eye region

Best For:
Dry eyes, eye strain, early cataracts, age-related degeneration

2. Anjana – Herbal Collyrium / Eye Liner Therapy

What It Is:
Application of medicated herbal pastes or powders to the inner eyelids to cleanse, stimulate, or nourish the eyes.

Types of Anjana:

• Lekhana Anjana (Scraping): Removes sticky Kapha and infections (good for conjunctivitis)

• Ropana Anjana (Healing): Heals and regenerates eye tissue

• Snehana Anjana (Lubricating): For dryness and tired eyes

Common Herbs Used:

• Triphala: Detoxifying and rejuvenating

• Yashtimadhu (Licorice): Soothes inflammation

• Daruharidra (Berberis): Antimicrobial and cooling

Benefits:

• Clears infections and discharges

• Improves vision clarity

• Prevents or manages cataract formation

• Supports tear production in dry eyes

Best For:
Conjunctivitis, itching, vision dullness, early cataract signs

3. Aschyotana – Herbal Eye Drops

What It Is:
The instillation of sterile medicated eye drops directly into the eye. It’s considered the simplest yet powerful eye-cleansing technique in Ayurveda.

Common Decoctions Used:

• Triphala Kashaya

• Chandana (Sandalwood) with Rose water

• Punarnava & Yashtimadhu preparations

Procedure:

• Drops are administered in a lying-down position.

• Patients are advised to blink to help spread the medicine evenly.

• Used 1–2 times daily as prescribed.

Benefits:

• Clears dust, toxins, and allergens

• Relieves redness, watering, and itching

• Balances Pitta and Kapha in the eyes

• Acts as a preventive routine in screen-heavy lifestyles

Best For:
Mild infections, eye strain, post-panchakarma maintenance, pollution exposure

🌿 Additional Supportive Therapies

• Triphala Wash: Eye rinse with cooled Triphala decoction to refresh and cleanse the eyes

• Nasya (Nasal Drops): Strengthens ocular nerves by balancing the head-region doshas

• Shirodhara or Shirovasti: Used when eye issues are stress-related or linked to nervous imbalance

• Internal Herbs: Amalaki, Yashtimadhu, Punarnava, Triphala, Ghee-based formulations

🥗 Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations

Diet:

• Include cooling, hydrating foods: cucumber, coriander, rose water, ghee, amla

• Avoid spicy, sour, and fermented foods that aggravate Pitta

• Drink plenty of lukewarm water and herbal teas

Lifestyle:

• Limit screen exposure; follow 20-20-20 rule (every 20 mins, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)

• Get adequate sleep and eye rest

• Apply rose water compresses for tired eyes

• Avoid direct exposure to harsh sunlight or dust