Eye Health

Introduction

Eyes are the most precious gift by God to the living beings. Among all the sense organs, eye holds a special status.

Working on computers, mobile phones and watching TV for long hours affect health of the eyes. It is important to take care of eyes throughout life. Eyes are affected by bright light, heat exposure and high-voltage electric spark.

According to Ayurveda, all the five elements such as earth, fire, air, water and space play an important role in maintaining eye’s health.

• Earth element governs the muscular part.
• Fire element governs the blood vessels.
• Air element rules the colour.
• Water governs the white part of eye (sclera).
• Space element is responsible for controlling ducts and channels.

The dosha which governs eye is Pitta dosha particularly Alochak Pitta. This dosha becomes less balanced as the age advances.

What are the causes of Eye Disorders according to Ayurveda?

The disorders of eyes are related to the degeneration of any part of the eye and is a result of Pitta, Vata and Kapha dosha imbalances.

These three doshas are also interrelated in their actions. An inadequate Kapha may cause excessive Pitta and vice versa. An imbalanced Vata can cause Kapha accumulation and also disturbs Pitta action. Therefore, balance of all these doshas is a key to healthy body including eyes. Causes are:

• Pitta dosha mainly Alochak Pitta as it impacts the photochemical operations and retinal function.
• Lack of Nutrition: The imbalance of Pachak Pitta directly affects Ranjak Pitta and therefore supply of nutrition to the eyes is affected.
• The imbalance in Sadhak Pitta causes problems in the process imaging of brain.
• The function of Vata dosha is to govern the movement and circulation as imbalance in Vata dosha results in blood circulation problems which impacts the nutrition reaching the eyes, affects aqueous humor and the problems in transporting signals to the brain.
• Kapha dosha governs vitreous and aqueous humors that lubricate the eyes. Inadequate kapha dosha can cause dryness or weak muscles of the eyes.
• Other cause of eye disorders is the use of computers which is used presently by children, young and old which cause ocular fatigue and other systemic effects.

What are the types of Eye Disorders?

Some common types of eye disorders are:

1. Weak Eyesight

In Ayurveda, weak eyesight is known as drishti dosha.

The poor or weak eyesight has turned to be the common occurrence. It is of two types: nearsightedness and farsightedness. Factors that contribute to weak eyesight are:

• Aging
• Diabetes
• Eye infections
• Genetics

2. Cataract

In Ayurveda, cataract is known as timir or lingnasha. It is mentioned that when the vitiated body humours invade eye ball known as nucleus of the lens, then vision is obstructed.

• It is caused due to the Vata imbalance because when the lens of the eyes loses its transparency, the vision becomes blocked.
• In cataract, the clear lens of the eyes become cloudy which results in decrease of vision which typically progresses to vision loss.
• The symptoms of cataract include foggy vision, double vision, seeing colours differently etc.

3. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease which is characterized by raised intra-ocular pressure and visual field defect.

• In Ayurveda, glaucoma is known as Adhimantha.
• The symptoms of glaucoma include headache, blurred vision, pain in the eyes etc.

What are the Herbal Remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda for Eye Health?

1. Amalaki Rasayan

Amalaki Rasayan is an herbal supplement prepared from Amla (Emblica officinalis) extract. Planet Ayurveda’s Amalaki Rasayan Capsules contain the goodness of amalaki rasayan. This preparation is rich in Vitamin C and is a potent anti-oxidant with bioflavonoids. Amalaki Rasayan is useful in preventing almost all eye disorders such as ocular hypertension, double vision, cataract, weak eye sight and other eye conditions.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

2. Youth Restora

Youth Restora by Planet Ayurveda is a 100% pure herbal formulation prepared from the best quality anti-oxidant herbs. The anti-oxidant properties of Youth Restora Capsules help in providing strength to the nervous system and the anti-inflammatory properties of these capsules help in the treatment of various eye infections.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

3. Angel Eye Vitale

Angel Eye Vitale of Planet Ayurveda is an herbal supplement that gives wonderful results in eye disorders. These capsules are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are required for the proper nourishment of eyes. The main ingredients of this formulation are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, copper, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin and bilberry. These vitamins and minerals provide nutrition to the eyes.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

4. Bilberry Capsules

Bilberry Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are prepared from the standardized extract of Vaccinium mrytillus. Bilberry acts as a vasodilator and opens blood vessels and thus help in lowering blood pressure. As the eyes have lot of capillaries, bilberry helps in improving eye sight.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

5. Vara Churna

Vara Churna by Planet Ayurveda is prepared by using the dried herbs that are very useful in all the eye disorders. The other name of Vara churna is Triphala powder. It helps in correcting the imbalance doshas by bringing them to normalcy along with specific vision promoting effect.

1. The herb ‘Haritaki’ used in this formulation acts as a rasayana for the eyes and it is beneficial for the eye disorders such as age related macular degeneration, open angle glaucoma, retinal degeneration, senile cataract etc.
2. The herb Bibhitaki is used in this formulation which is described as "Netra Hitam" by Acharaya Charaka, which means it is beneficial for the eyes.
3. Amalaki, used in this formulation known by the name "Chakshusya", which means a rasayana for giving strength to the eyes. Moreover, amla is a potent anti-oxidant.

Dose: 1 teaspoonful powder once or twice daily.