6 Ayurvedic Remedies and Lifestyle Tips to Improve Vision and Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in India and is a major public health issue resulting in not only individual suffering but also huge economic losses and societal burden. According to a study conducted by WHO and National Programme for Controlling Blindness (NPCB), there are over 22 million blind people in India (equivalent to 12 million blind people), of which 80.1% are due to cataract. The annual incidence of blindness due to cataract is estimated to be around 3.8 million.

Cataracts are a common eye disease characterised by clouding of the lens that can severely impair vision if not treated properly. While surgical treatment is an option in modern medicine, Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to cataract prevention, including lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and traditional remedies. Here are some Ayurvedic methods suggested by Dr. Mandeep Singh Basu, Director, Dr. Bsu Eye Hospital, that can help prevent cataracts:

Triphala eye wash: Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formula made from three fruits (Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki) and is known for its health benefits. Using Triphala water as an eyewash helps purify the eyes and keep them healthy. This practice is believed to reduce the risk of cataract formation by keeping the eyes free from infections and impurities.

Tarpan and Ashchotan Karma: Tarpan and Ashchotan Karma are Ayurvedic treatments designed specifically for eye health. Tarpan involves applying medicated ghee around the eyes to nourish and improve vision. Ashchotan Karma involves applying herbal eye drops to purify and rejuvenate the eyes. These treatments are recommended to maintain optimal eye health.

Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold. Environmental extremes can have a detrimental effect on eye health. Prolonged exposure to heat leads to dryness and irritation, while extreme cold causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the eyes. Ayurveda recommends maintaining a moderate environment to protect your eyes from such harsh conditions.

Quitting Smoking: Smoking accelerates the progression of cataracts. The toxic compounds present in tobacco smoke can damage the proteins in the lens of the eye, causing it to become cloudy. Ayurveda emphasises the need to avoid such unhealthy habits to maintain overall health, including eye health.

Avoid over-the-counter medications that contain steroids. Long-term use of steroids also increases the risk of developing cataracts. Steroids cause changes in the lens structure of the eye, promoting the development of cataracts. Ayurvedic practitioners and doctors strongly advise against using such drugs without supervision.

Regular eye checkups: Regular check-ups are crucial in the early detection and management of cataracts. They help monitor the health of your eyes and detect early signs of cataract formation so you can intervene in a timely manner.