Maintenance of Ocular Health by Ayurveda

Abstract

There are five sense organs (Gyanendriya) in Ayurveda i.e., Eye, Ear, Nose, Tongue and Skin among them prime importance is given to eye. It says “Sarvendriyaanam Nayanam Pradhanam”. A faulty lifestyle has resulted in many eye disorders like Dry eye, Computer vision syndrome, Age related macular degeneration, Cataract, Diabetic retinopathy and many more which adversely effects quality of life. To avoid these lifestyle disorders, prevention of eye disorders and preservation of ocular health has become essential because good vision is necessary for social and intellectual development of humans. But unlikely the preventive aspects of eye health and diseases related to eye has not been given due importance in our day-to-day life. For preventing these eye disorders and for maintaining eye health much more has been described in Ayurvedic texts in the form of Dincharya (Daily regimen), Ritucharya, Sadvritta, Swasthavritta and Chakshyusya Rasayana. Many tested procedures like Anjana (Collyrium), Netraprakshalana (Eye wash), Snana (Bath), Padabhyanga (Foot massage with oil) are highly effective daily procedures for the prevention of eye disorders and maintenance of good eye health. Various Yogasana, Pranayama, Neti and Trataka are also considered beneficial for the eye health. The aim of this article is to spread awareness among society about the maintenance of eye health and prevention of eye disorders.