Abstract

MAINTAINING HEALTH OF EYE (VISION) BY AYURVEDA – A REVIEW

Dr. Gayatri P. Choudhari* and Dr. S. A. Mishra

Abstract

Eyes hold special status among all the sense organs because good vision is crucial for social and intellectual development of human beings. Hence, eyes are the most precious gift of God to mankind. As per the WHO statistics global blindness due to eye diseases is 37 million, due to refractive errors it is 8 million. Ayurveda is a philosophy of life with holistic approach which plays an important role in prevention of blindness. Prevention of ocular disorder and preservation of ocular health has been become essential, as changing lifestyle has resulted in many eye disorders. In Ayurveda, eye is considered as the most vital sense organ. Many diseases of eye may occur due to defective life style changes particularly in busy modern life. Ayurveda found to describe vividly about ocular health. So an attempt has been made to explore the diet, behaviour procedures for maintaining eye health. Many of the classics explained Chakshushya food items and drugs such as ghee, amalaki, wheat etc which can be regularly used along with dietary and behavioral practices which are harmful for the eyes. Procedure like Anjana (collyrium), Aschyotan (eye drop), Snana(bath), Padabhyanga (foot massage with oil), Nasya (nasal application of drugs), Abhyanga (oil massage), various yogasana, rasayana etc are considered as highly effective daily procedures for the maintenance of eye health.

Keywords: Healthy Eye, Eye care, Chakshushya, Rasayana, Ayurveda.