Shalakya tantra (branch that deals with the diseases of Eye, ENT and Head) provides the science of sight and also explores the disorders of the organ. It has been described exclusively in Drishti rogas (diseases affecting the vision) and one among them is ?TIMIRA? (MYOPIA) that may progresses to the visual loss. MYOPIA starts with the disturbances for the vision which may ultimately destroy the eyesight completely.

According to modern science, the one which starts with visual defect and ultimately leading to loss of vision is MYOPIA. It is a refractive error where distant vision is blurred. Some studies have found slightly higher prevalence of MYOPIA in females than in males.

Mechanisms of production of myopia:

                        Axial MYOPIA results from increase in the antero-posterior length of the eye ball.

?        Curvature MYOPIA is due to increased Curvature of cornea or lens or both.

?        Positional MYOPIA is due to anterior placement of the lens.

?        Index MYOPIA results due to increase in the refractive index of lens.

?        MYOPIA due to excessive accommodation occurs in patients with spasm of accommodation.

MYOPIA is one of some eye diseases, leading to blindness. A separate concept of patalas especially with reference to Timira (MYOPIA) is discussed in Sushruta Samhitha and Ashtanga Hridaya. Many of the clinical features described for Timira (MYOPIA) are having similarities with the refractive errors.

The vitiated doshas propagate through the siras and gets localized in the first and second patalas of drishti is called as Timira. Patient will perceive all the objects as blurred. (Here ?Sira? denotes Rupavaha Sira)

The localization of doshas in patalas further deranges the functional capacity of patalas and leads to blurred vision. This condition further obstructs the nutritional supply. Diagnosis of the disease mainly depends upon the signs and symptoms. In case of Timira, the signs and symptoms were mentioned in two ways:

1. According to the involvement of Patalas.
2. According to the vitiation of Doshas.

In Timira (MYOPIA), the localization of doshas in patalas, will further deteriorates the functional capacity of eye. This condition is related to various intraocular structures participating in accommodation and convergence.

Management of Myopia

In brief, the management is aimed to

                        Avoid etiological factors.

                        Counteract increased doshas.

Curative Measures

                        LOCAL MEASURES.

                        SYSTEMIC MEASURES.

     1. LOCAL MEASURES:

These include Tarpana, Putapaka, Seka, Ashchyotana and Anjana.  Great emphasis is given to Anjana and Tarpana in the management of diseases.

     2. SYSTEMIC MEASURES:

 The systemic treatment of MYOPIA begins with blood letting (Rakta Mokshana) to remove rakta dushti. It should be followed by Virechana. Good numbers of nasya yogas are also explained in the management of MYOPIA.

Triphala is useful drug in the management of MYOPIA. It can be given with various anupanas (Drug vehicles) according to the involvement of doshas. It is a well known for its chakshushya, rasayana deepana and pachana properties.

Treatment of the Timira depends upon the stage and dominance of the dosha involved. Early stage of Timira (symptoms of the vitiated doshas have just manifested) should be treated by dhooma, anjana etc...

Progressive stage (symptoms of the vitiated doshas have fully manifested) should be treated by samshodhana therapies like vamana, Virechana and local measures like tarpana etc?

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