Gold Medal, Diplomas in Yoga, Yogic Education, Sanskrit, Nakshatra Jyotish Ratna. Ayurveda & Eye consultant, Pancha karma specialist. Certified Yoga Teacher & Yoga Therapist, Mumbai & Navi Mumbai, India. Contact: ayurvision.com Introduction
“Doctor, please let me know , whether Tina will be able to see again ?.....”,a difficult question was asked to me by Tina’s mom….!! Tina , just completed her 2nd year in microbiology & started complaining that she could not see properly since last few weeks, even while looking through the microscopes she was not that comfortable as she was before.naturally her parents took her to family doctor & then he referred her to an ophthalmologist.
He saw her fundus ( retina of her eyes) & said she needs to be visited to a vitreo retinal surgeon ( a super specialist eye surgeon with the speciality with retina ), he told that Tina’s retina started degenerating, there are patches on the retina of her both eyes, as well there is a start of degeneration of macula of one of her
When Tina’s mom heard that, there was a great disappointment for them. When they knew about possibility of treatment with Ayurveda , they have brought her to my clinic. Basically being MD in Ayurveda & having qualified in modern ophthalmic sciences I am treating different eye conditions which are left out by modern ophthalmologist.
Only where there is an absolute requirement of intervention of surgical procedure then I do recommend those cases to my fellow colleagues opthalmic surgeons. So when Tina came to my clinic , her vision ( visual acuity ) was less than 4 feet with right eye & 6/60 partial that means the first line of the vision chart that to be blurred)in her left eye.
Her mom was asking me , “Doc, please tell me know, can our Tina see again ? Will it be possible to stop the degeneration at least in her better eye? Can we reverse the changes of her retina due to R.P?” “Doctor, please don’t feel bad, but whether is it true that Ayurveda has any remedies even for Eye Disorders ?”……
Yes, this is just a representative questions, but similar kinds of several questions are being asked even by our medico friends, basically because they are really ignorant about the fact that Ayurveda not only treats diseases like asthma, diabetes, psoriasis or arthritis but also speaks in length & treats Eye Disorders!
In fact there are separate chapters devoted to the description of eye diseases, about their diagnosis & also about their therapeutic procedures in different ancient classical texts of Ayurveda. Many of us might not be aware of the fact that in Ayurvedic curriculum ( of B.A.M.S.- Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery course, in the last year) there is a separate paper on ‘Netraroga’ (Ayurvedic ophthalmology), along with the second paper on Disaeases of E.N.T. & Oral cavity and head region ( ‘Karna nasa mukha & shiroroga’)., along with concerned practicals & case takings ( oral examinations on patients).
Ashtanga Ayurveda
Many a times there is a misconception that Ayurveda doesn’t have any knowledge about surgical disciplines, moreover there is absolutely no mention about eye disorders, but this is not true.Ayurveda do have separate specific specialties with references to different eight disciplines.That is the reason Ayurveda is also known to be Ashtanga ayurveda.The eight branches constitutes study of the following disciplines, viz. –
1.Kayachikitsa – General Medicine or Internal Medicine.
2.Balachikitsa – Paediatrics as well as Gynaecology & Obstetrics.
3.Grahachikitsa – Psychiatry & Parapsychology.
4.Urdhwangatantra or Shalakyatantra – Diseases of Eye, Ear, Nose Throat & Head region. (Ayurvedic Ophthalmology,Ayurvedic Oto-rhino-laringology& Ayurvedic Neurology. )
5.Shalyatantra- General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery.
6. Danshtrachikitsa – Toxicology.
7. Jarachikitsa –Geriatrics.
8.Vrishyachikitsa- Including Rasayan & vajeekaran therapy – Prohost therapy,
Aphrodisiac therapy, rejuvenation therapy, Immunomodulation Therapy.
What is Shalakyatantra ?
According to the definitions of ‘Vagbhatacharya’ & ‘Sushrutacharya’, Shalakyatantra can be defined as that branch of Ayurveda, in which there is a provision for management of disorders of the parts situated above the level of the clavicles (urdhwajatrugata vikara ), namely that of Ear- Nose – Throat (Shravana – vadana ghranadi ) i.e.Otorhinolaryngology & Eyes (Nayanadi ). At other rference it has been stated by Dalhanacharya, that this branch is known to be Shalakyatantra , because while doing the examinations of these regions as discussed before, one need to take help of a small instrument – a probe or thin metallic structure known to be Shalaka, & hence the name of the branch is Shalakyatantra.
Synonyms Of Eye
Various synonyms of eye have been discussed in Ayurveda , they are as follows – Nayana, Netra, Budbuda, Akshi, Chakshu, Netragolaka etc
Concept of Anatomy & Physiology of Eye in Ayurveda
In certain texts of Ayurveda, like in Sushrut samhita, anatomy & physiology of eye has been discussed in great details. They have mentioned thousands of years before that the shape of eye is oblong & not a perfect round, (Gostanakaram) thickness of the eyeball is close to the thickness of ones own thumb (swangushthdara sammitam), they have even discussed about different coats/layers (patal), various junctions( sandhi), about pupil (drishti), inner canthus(kaninak), outer canthus(apanga), about lens, eye lids, eye lashes & many more such relevant things in Ayurvedic anatomy of eyeball(Netrasharira).
While discussing about Ayurvedic physiology of eye , they have mentioned that the main dosha that is responsible for the very basic function of eye that is nothing but sight, to see , is no other than Pitta & that to again a subtype of Pitta known as ‘Alochaka Pitta’.I am sure all of us would salute to our ancient masters who knew that there were two distinctive components were responsible for the act of seeing , one in the eye itself (may be in the retina) & other in the brain as a optic centre, which they have clearly mentioned then as the ‘Chakshurvaisheshika Alochaka Pitta’ & ‘Buddhirvaisheshik Alochaka Pitta’ respectively.
The clinical application of this anatomical background of eye was reflected clearly in the area of classification of eye diseases mentioned in those days by ‘Sushrutacharya’ in his samhita.One may see description as Pakshma roga (Diseases of Eye lashes), Vartmaroga (Diseases of Eye lids), which is having a striking similarity with the that of the classification of eye disorders being accepted by the contemporary modern ophthalmology !
Etiology Of Eye Disorders (In General)
(Netraroga, Samanya Hetu)
Ushnabhitaptasya Jalapraveshat Dooreshanat swapnaviparyayat chal I
Bashpagrahat Sookshma Nirikshanat chall
Netre vikaran janayanti ghoran II
Ref. (Su.Samtita / Uttar ; Ch 26/4)
Ushnabhitaptasya Jalapraveshat -After coming from (hot environment) outside especially in the afternoon, and to jump in a river / water / for swimming, on in today contest to take cold water bath / shower on even a step ahead, one may interpret it, as a sudden change of temperature zone. eg. from heat zone, if one enters suddenly to a Air- Conditioned chilled chamber.
Dooreshanat -means to see object at for constantly eg. in professions like astronomers / Scientists in the observatories, personnel from military at boarder, personnel from Railway Merchant Navy to see signals.
Swapnaviparyayat cha:- means alteration of the pattern of sleep. Usually seen with those on shift duties. Workers, Engineers, Nurses & even Doctors on well by everyday habit of sleeping at daytime biorhythm & can leads to strain on eyes leading to ocular disorders.
Prasakta, Samrodan, Kopa, Shoka, Klosha
By taking too much of tensions for crying for a longer period, by becoming very angry on by taking excessive efforts out of capacity all these things may lead to increase in vitiated Vata Dosha leading to ocular disorders.
Abhigatat (i.c. due to traumatic injury)
These exists seven ocular emergencies.
Atimaithunat Cha :- By having excessive sex, again these will be vitiation of essential vital tissue Shukra & even of Ojas & will be increase in vitiated Vata leading to ocular disorders.
Shukta, Aranal, Amla - are all sour preparations having them in excess may lead increase of vitiated Pitta & Rakta leading to ocular disorders.
Kulatha, Masha- these again leads to increase in vitiated Vata dosha, leading to ocular disorders.
By controlling essential urges (Vega vinigrahana) like passing urine, or defecating stools, (these are 13 such urges which should not be controlled as per Ayurveda)
By taking increased amount of Sudation( swedan) : eg. to sit more in a Saunna bath.
Dhoomranishevana : By smoking excess is one way of interpreting if & other way may be contact of eyes to Gas / Fumes / eg. pollutant on roadways / industries etc.
Having excessive procedures in Purificatory measures (Panchakarma) viz. Vamanatiyogat Excessinve induced emesis (Vamanatiyogat) etc.
Sookshma Nirikshanat cha-means to observe microscopic objects for a longer period. May lead stress eyes, leading to ocular disorders e.g. Pathology technicians, Diamond Cutter, Wrist watch repairers etc.
In a current situation, in 21st century more & more number of people are getting introduced to Personal Computers, even starting from school going children to the office attending executive, has to work in front of computer screen for a longer period , similarly kids/ teenagers one spending hours together staring at computer screen while playing with computer games also in front of television screen all these also can be considered to be modern hetu (Reasons) for increasing ocular disorders.
In Traumatic Eye Disorders Aghatajanya Netravyadhi ,there exists traumatic lesion first, & the doshasushti latter (Vitiation of dosha follows thereafter.)
How do these Eye Disorders takes place? ( Samanya Samprpapti – Pathophysiology of Netraroga)
According to Sushrutacharya -
Due various reasons, dosha gets vitiated & increased (Prakopa) leading to their way upwards towards eye, & gets entered in different Channels / Vessels( sira) of Eye, creating vitiation (Dooshti) of different organels of an eye. In this way there exists eitiopathogenesis of an eye disorders in general.
Total number & the classification of Eye Disorders
Discussion with regards to classification of an eye disorders according to different scholars of Ayurvedic Opthalmology number of eye disorders mentioned according to different masters ( Acharyas) are as follows -
Sushrutacharya & Vagbhatacharya??? 76 types of Eye diseases
Charakacharya???? 96 types of Eye diseases
Madhav Nidanakar?? 78 types of Eye diseases
Different Approaches of the classification of an Eye disorders according Ayurveda.
A.? Classification of eye disorders according to dosha type
In this approach surprisingly a great efforts have been taken to sub classification of diseases ,according to their tentative prognostic values ,such as easily?? manaageble/completed curable ie. Sadhya, ?difficult as treat ie, Yapya & Untreatable ie. Asadhya apat from its doshik classification such as Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj etc.
B. ? Classification of eye disorders according to therapeutic approach
1) Cheddya (?? to be incised)???? - 11???? 4) Vedhya ( to? be punctured -15
2) Lekkhya (? to be scraped )??? - 9?????? 5) Asadhya ( Non treatable)?????? -24??
3) Bheddya ( to be punctured ) -5??? 6) Shamanarha (conservative line of therapy)-1????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Scope & Limitations of Ayurvedic Ophthalmology in current practice
Ayurveda has discussed in great details about various eye diseases such as ‘Abhishyanda’ (Conunctivitis), ‘Adhimantha’ (Glaucoma), ‘Pothaki’ (Trachoma), ‘Kaphaj Linganasha’ (Mature Cataract), ‘Arma’ (Pterygium), Vatahat vartma (Ptosis), & many more, even many disorders of eye which we can see today , although doesn’t have their mainstay in the Ayurvedic literature, we can still find number of similar symptomatologies? in the classical texts.
Thus I am getting an opportunity to treat cases of Retinitis Pigmentosa (R.P.), Age related Macular degenerations (A.M.D.), Retinopathies of different origins like Hypertensive Retinopathies & Diabetic Retinopathies , Amblyopia , Increasing Myopia, Computer Vision Syndrome, Vitreous floaters, Vitreous haemorrhage with Ayurvedic treatment. At the same time we must not accept fresh & frank cases for surgeries, viz. mature cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinopathies having never treated before with lasers. Because if we refer these cases promptly to eye surgeons , not only we can save time but can also avoid further complications as well & perhaps can prevent that patient to become blind !!Only when these type of cases already been seen , operated by modern ophthalmologist when have poor prognosis, poor chances of regaining vision, then, yes, I think no one would have any difference of opinion for treating those cases with Ayurvedic ophthalmology !! At least that is what is my approach is!
Cataract Surgery as discussed in Ayurvedic Ophthalmology
Many a times there is a myth in a society that with Ayurvedic therapy we can bypass cataract operation, which is not true! In fact we will be surprised to know? that ever first operation for cataract has been discussed in Ayurveda by Sushrutacharya. Many people call it as non scientific procedure as a couching, but I strongly oppose that, because if you read the steps of operation mentioned by Acharya Sushruta carefully , one may realize that it shows a great similarity with the latest technique of ‘Phacoemulsification Surgery for the Cataract’.
Kaphaj Linganash: Linganash is a term derived from two-wards Linga ie. Function & Nash –destruction . When there is? a?? destruction of a function of a lens when it becomes opaque , no light can pass through the lens, then it is termed as Linganasha . The same definition also holds true for Cataract. Opacification of (formation of opacities) the crystalline lens is known as Cataract.
While discussing about treatment of Cataract (Kaphaj Linganasha), Sushrutacharya has specifically mentioned about surgical treatment. In detail discussion of surgical procedure, there is a mention of Pre operative procedures (Poorvakarma), Main Operative procedures (Pradhana karma), Post Operative procedures (Pashchat karma). In Pradhana karma, there is a reference of piercing a globe at a particular position, specifically at the intersection of 2/3rd of the limbal side & 1/3rd of the outer canthal side, where a shalaka has to be put inside, in such a way that it will not disturbs other important appendages of eye, or blood vessels of eye & can reach out straight a way to opaque lens, (Drushtimani), having this procedure done, one may hear a particular sound , & can see watery secretions of Linganasha dosha - Liquified lenticular matter (Thus this reminds somewhat similarity to the latest approach of Cataract Surgery – ‘Phacoemulsification’ as mentioned before).
Then certain drugs are to be instilled in the eye such as breast milk of a mother (as a sterile medicament)& certain other combinations of the herbal drugs.Do the procedure in such a way that patient will able to see clear, objects like fingers (Anguli), threads (Tantu) etc. Then eye has to be covered with dressing(Kavalika) of medicated ghee & to be bandaged in a specialized way (Chinabandha).
There are several references regarding usage of the instruments, about its 6 dosha (how it should not be- 6 points ), possibilities of committing mistakes by surgeon? while inserting shalaka inside patients eye (5 different conditions & their treatment), 5 possibilities of so called complications of Linganasha dosha while performing this operation, such as Sphootana- lens gets break off into several pieces just after when shalaka touches lens., or Avagalana or Utplavana (Subluxation of lens ), Leen ( Lens falling back into vitreous chamber), and also about the complications of Kaphaj linganasha, if not treated in time (6 types of drushtidosha as Avartaki, sharkara, rajimati, chinnaushuka, chandraki, chatraki ).
Other operative procedures mentioned in Ayurvedic Opthalmology
There are mentioning about Agnikarma in the treatment of ‘Adhimantha’ (Glaucoma) which reminds us ‘Cyclodiathermy’ procedure mentioned in modern ophthalmic surgery. Operation for ‘Lagan’(Chalazion) specifies the treatment principle as Bhedan & Lekhan this reminds us Incise & Drain order in contemporary? Ophthalmology.Also in case of yet another ophthalmic conditions like ‘Pakshmakopa' (Triachiasis), according to ancient ayurvedic scripts these eyelashes have to be removed. Again there is a striking similarity to modern therapeutic approach of removing the eye lashes by the epilation force.
There is a mention of surgical procedure pakshmakopa (trichiasis) pakshmasankocha or antarvyavartana (entropion)? as discussed by various ayurvedic scholars. This surgical procedure reminds of ‘tarsorrhaphy’ operation mentioned in the management of entropion.
Various treatment modalities utilized in the ayurvedic therapy of eye Disorders
There are various ways with which Ayurveda advocates to treat these eye disorders, these can be subdivided into basic two groups, viz. local therapies (Bahyopachara) & internal therapies (Abhyantar upachara). Internal therapies consists of various drugs/medicaments in the forms of Guggulu, Vati, Guti (tablets or pills), Choorna (mono herbal or polyherbal or herbo mineral combinations in the form of powders), Kwatha or Kashaya (Decoctions), Swarasa (fresh juices of medicinal herbs), Lehyam (Linctus) and Siddhda Ghritam (medicated ghee).where as Local therapy consists of various options those are to be performed on the diseased eye .
They are Ashchotana (eye drops), Anjan (to be applied on conjunctival bed), Nasya (medicine to be instilled inside nose), Tarpan ( liquefied medicated ghee to be retained over open? or rather blinking eyes for a specified period in a specific way), Netradhara (pouring of warm decoction over closed eyelids), Lepa (application of paste of medicated powders over closed eye) etc. These therapies are to be performed in different combinations for different ophthalmic disorders.
Some interesting Case studies & Research findings
?????? At different centers of ‘Centre for Ayurveda & Panchakarma Therapy and? Eye Care Clinics’, Mumbai & Navi Mumbai, author of this article has treated many cases of refractive errors, especially increasing myopia, high myopia, high hypermetropia, with oral & local ayurvedic therapy, with better patients compliance & with encouraging? results. The medication used were Saptamrut loha, Yashtimadhu ghruta,Shatavari ghruta, Punarnavadi yoga, Pathyadi kwatha. (Dr.Phadke A.S.,Mumbai)(!998)
?????? An interesting study was undertaken on cases of refractive errors , whom apart from oral medication , netrabasti was performed & the result found out to be quite encouraging.( Dr. Garge, Mumbai)
?????? An interesting study was undertaken by dr. Padmawar, Dr. Tambwekar & colleagues on the therapeutic efficacy of ‘Madhu daryadi Eye drops’ on the cases of non specific allergic conjunctivitis at Mumbai.( Dr. Padmar , Mumbai)
? In yet another study on blephritis (Klinnavartma), a clinical tria lwas conducted to see efficacy of Rasanjanadi Rasakriya (contains Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) processed in goats milk) in Anjan formulation, on 30 patients of blephritis. Acted as a healing agent (Vranaropaka), also showed to reduce oedema, discharge, itching & pricking pain within first week, & was found out to be statistically significant. (Padvi V.,Mumbai )(1989 )
Therapeutic efficacy of Shobhanjana (Drumsticks) Eye Drops in Trachoma (Pothaki) , Study on 30 patients of Trachoma, open prospective study, of which 22 patients were from pre follicular stage of trachoma & 8 patients were from follicular stage of trachoma. Drug was administered for the duration of 8 weeks. 25 patients (85 %) showed to have complete relief, 3 patients (!0 %) received moderate relief, whereas 2 patient (5 %) showed no relief. (Dr.Lahankar M. Mumbai)(1996)
?
?? In open prospective study on 30 patients of Pterigyum with Marichyadi yoga, it contains Marich (Piper nigrum) triturated with the juice of Kesharaj (Eclipta alba), as mentioned in Sharangdhara samhita .Conducted for 4 weeks. Reported result in around 75% cases. (Dr.Surve S.,Mumbai)(1997)
??? In one of such study on diabetic retinopathy, as a complication of diabetes mellitus, study was undertaken on 30 patients of diabetic retinopathy & 30 patients of diabetic neuropathy, a placebo controlled open type of study. Patients of diabetic retinopathy (15 on drug, 15 on placebo), screened for 12 weeks period, of which there was a good improvement in 7 cases , no change observed in 7 cases, & deterioration in the condition observed in 1 case.1 case out of those 7 (improved) cases, having background retinopathy initially, there was no evidence of the diabetic retinopathy at the end of the study.3 cases showed marked improvement, whereas 2 cases showed marginal improvement. There was no significant change noticed in the biochemical parameters at the end of the therapy. (Dr.Tamboli S.,Mumbai)(2001)
?????? In another study on reinitis pigmentosa, a clinical evaluation of cases of retinitis pigmentosa (R.P.) with the management of ayurvedic composite therapy was conducted. In open prospective study on 15 cases of R.P., having vision less than 3 ft.were accepted for the study. 2 cases screened with electroretinography (E.R.G.) & Visual Evoked Potential Studies (V.E.P.), pre & post therapy. 9 patients completed the study, of which in 4 cases there was a marked improvement in the visual acuity, 4 cases showed moderate improvement whereas 1 patient showed no change (Dr.Phadke Aashish , Mumbai )(2001) .
Studies On Special Therapeutic Procedures
?????? On unique therapeutic modality in ayurvedic panchakarma in special reference to ayurvedic ophthalmology ,- ‘Tarpana’ (A special panchakarma procedure in which eye is being kept in medicated ghee for a given stipulated period.It is also known as Netrabasti.) A preliminary study was conducted on 25 healthy volunteers, so as to assess its safety profile. Certain parameters such as intra ocular pressure, T.P.R., B.P., & other common ocular symptoms & signs were observed for possible adverse effects , also in a same study efforts were taken to re-establish the meaning of (one blink of the eye corresponds to one unit of the procedure.i.e.)Unmesha Nimesha Matra which has been discussed in chapters of tarpana. No serious adverse effect was noticed, neither there was a statistical; significant difference found in the said parameter while pre & post tarpana therapy (Dr.Phadke A.S., Mumbai ) (1999)
?????? In yet another preliminary study on tarpana, efforts has been taken to asses the possibilities of usage of Tarpana therapy in various ocular disorders. In yet another preliminary study on tarpana, efforts has been taken to asses the possibilities of usage of Tarpana therapy in various ocular disorders. An open prospective study was conducted on 47 cases of various ocular conditions, such as R.P.( retinitis pigmentosa.), A.M.D.(age related macular degeneration ), glaucoma, increasing Myopia, xerophthalmia, ocular asthenia, using tarpana as a unique therapeutic modality. The results in these conditions were although encouraging, need to be conducted on large number of patients, & in a better planned way ( Dr.Phadke, A.S.,Mumbai )(1999)
Common Do’s & Don’t?
?????? One should not strain eye continuously for a long time particularly by watching T.V. or playing video games ( more specific in kids) & surfing on net / working on PC ( as seen commonly in adults).
?????? If there is blurring of vision, one must not waste time & seek help of an eye consultant.
?????? Do not use any other person’s glasses for use or even just for fun as well. It may cause infection to your eye if that persons eye is infected, or if not then also by using wrong numbered glasses you may strain your eyes & may invite glasses for you !
?????? Let us have good intake of number of leafy vegetables, carrot (fresh & not Gajar ka halwa) , milk, ghee ( preferably home made) in our diet so as to maintain good ocular health.
?????? Let us avoid insufficient sleep or excessive sleep.
?????? Do not see directly towards welding light or even at sun , at the time of solar eclipse , without taking proper specified precautions.
?????? In festival like Diwali? or on other occasion take proper precautions while playing with crackers , same is to be remembered while playing with colours in Holi or Rangapanchami .there may be a possibility that these colours ( Gulal, Oil paints etc.) may enter eyes & one may loose sight permanently ! even while throwing Ballons with coloured water, one must not put pebbles in it , & should take care that it should not get blasted on eyes , since it can gives rise to the serious conditions like retinal detachement leading to permanent blindness.
?????? One should donate our own eye ( cornea) after death, so that some one else who is blind due to corneal opacity can see once again !!
Common Home remedies for Eyes
?????? Amla a day keeps eyes healthy. Try to eat a fresh Amla fruit , if not available then may take Amla powder or Jam of Amla ( Morawala / Amla Murabba).
?????? Take Triphala powder ( a powder of combination of three myrobalans , i.e. Amlaki ( Phyllanthus embelicus), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula) & Bibhitaki ( Terminalia bellerica), should be consumed with honey & pure ghee ( Ghee & honey must be consumed in an unequal proportion) at night time. In Ayurveda this combination has been advocated as Netrya Rasayana.
?????? With an advise of your Ayurveda consultant one may take Tablet – Saptamrut Loha Vati for maintaining good ocular health.
?????? Keep cold waters pack or rose water pack on closed eyes especially in summer.Friends ?do you remember I was telling you about Tina’s case of R.P. in the beginning? Well ,she continued therapy with me , & with appropriate therapies now her vision in right eye is improved to? 6/60 ( i.e. 1st line on the snellen’s chart) & with other eye i.e. left eye ?still there is no deterioration as has been told by our fellow colleagues ! I think that is possible only because of the following Ayurvedic principles in practice.
Acknowledgement
I will be ever grateful to the board of editors & especially Dr.(Mrs.)Amita of ‘Amruth’, also to all other researchers , editors ,authors from whom I have borrowed references for this article. I can not forget my masters in the field of ophthalmology & Ayurveda, Dr. Joglekar., Dr.Vaidya, Dr.Shanbhag, Dr. (Mrs.) Roychaudhary, Dr. Vatsal Parikh , Dr.Sathye,Dr.Pandya, Dr. Bhatia & many more from modern ophthalmology & Vd. Kanitkar ,Dr.Padmawar, Dr. Sathye, Pune, Dr.Surve, Dr. Tambwekar, Dr. Garge, Dr.Lahankar & many more from the field of Ayurveda. I will be thankful to all my patients, their relatives who gave me opportunity to treat them with Ayurveda & also to all students to whom I taught Ayurvedic ophthalmology for quite long time!! Also to my mother institutions Ayurvedic & modern medical institutes where I learnt & institutions where I taught, I will be always grateful!! Comments & suggestions are welcome on this article from all readers& may be forwarded on ayurvision@hotmail.com or ayurinstitute@yahoo.com
(Option for Hetus / causes of Eye Disorders)
Various etiological factors of eye disorders discussed in Ayurveda are exposure to cold water, exposure to cold immediately after exposure to heat, alteration in sleep pattern, ?constant watching of distant objects, tensions, anger, ?excessive crying, trauma, consuming sour preparations in excess, controlling essential urges, increased amount of sudation, exposure of gases or fumes e.g. pollutant on roadways or from industries, induced emesis in excess, observing microscopic objects for long periods etc. In traumatic eye disorders, there exists traumatic lesion first, & later there is vitiation of dosha? (doshasushti)