Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Sarvendriyanam Nayanam Pradhanam. This verse by a renowned Indian scholar Chanakya emphasises the importance of ‘eye’ as a sensory faculty. The Chakshushopanishad states a Mantrajapa (salutations) to Surya Devata (Sun) who is said to be the governor of the vision. This reflects the scientific projection of ancient Indian scholars acknowledging the importance of light stimulation which is responsible for the visual system to function properly. The sun being the source of light to our solar system is thus being worshipped.
Vision of Ayurveda Pioneers: How they saw it
Ayurveda, a time-honoured Indian medical system dedicates a unique branch termed ‘Shalakya Tantra’ which deals with Ophthalmology. The renowned scholars of ancient times, to quote, Videha Raja Nimi, Sushrutha, Karala, Badraka, Sounaka, Satyajit, Kankayana, Krishnatreya, Vagbhata, Bhava Misra, Sharangadhara, Madhava, Yogaratnakara have made a profound contributions in the field of Ayurvedic Ophthalmology. The references of the ocular diseases and its management both medicinal and surgical are obtained from the works of the scholars.
Acharya Sushruta, in his compendium Sushruta Samhita explains about the surgical anatomy of the eye. Detailed description of the measurements of the ocular structures and the layers of the eye with the specific anatomical description of fovea can be comprehended.
Acharya Vagbata, in his opus Ashtanga Hrudaya states that the eye has a pitta predominant structure, and the ocular diseases involve primarily pitta derangement. About 76 ocular pathologies have been enumerated by Sushruta. These are sectioned on the basis of anatomical sites involved in the pathology such as Sandhi, Varma, Shukla, Krishna, Drishti, Sarva. Prognosis of these ocular conditions have also been detailed for ascertaining the treatment outcome.
The eye has a pitta predominant structure and the ocular diseases involve primarily pitta derangement.
Time-tested expertise
The reference of the prototype of various ocular surgeries can be traced in works of Sushruta. This includes Cataract extraction (Kaphaja Linganasha Vyadhana), Pterygium excision (Arma Chedana), Chalazion excision (Utsangini Chedana), Epilation (Pakshmakopa chikitsa), Thermal (Agni) & Chemical (Kshara) cautery in the diseases of eyelid and so on. The ocular emergency management has also been mentioned by Sushruta. Also, usage of Medicinal Leech therapy (Jaloukavacharana) has been elaborated in ocular conditions.
Netra Kriya Kalpa is a specialised form of Ocular Drug Delivery system in Ayurveda which includes Seka, Aschyotana, Anjana, Tarzana, Putapaka, Pindi and Bidalaka. These therapies utilise Poly Herbal Formulations/Single Drugs in the form of Aqueous/lipid extracts, collyrium, paste which enhances the treatment outcome. Additionally, procedures like Nasya, Moordini Taila, Takra Dhara, Kavala, Gandusha, Mukhalepa, Virechana, Basti are also incorporated in the treatment protocol according to the conditions.
Eyesight Care as per Ayurveda
One of the remarkable contributions of Ayurveda in the field of Ophthalmology is the concept of ‘Netra Swasthya’—Preventive Ophthalmology. This is approached in two ways. External therapies in the form of Dinacharya (Daily Regimens) & Ritucharya (Seasonal regimens) listed out in improving vision. Secondly, the usage of Chakshushya Rasayana, these are the nutraceuticals which are utilised in maintaining ocular health.
Excerpts of well-documented Ayurvedic Ophthalmology stand as a testimony of the prevalence of Ophthalmic practices and treatment of Ocular conditions are based on scientific principles. With an increase in metabolic disorders and digitalisation, the prevalence of ophthalmic diseases like Refractive error, Dry Eye, Computer Vision Syndrome, early incidence of Cataract, Diabetic Retinopathy, Uveitis are on the rise. The Ayurvedic treatment principle can integrate a promising cure in the long run.
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