Ayurvedic Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome with Herbal Remedies
Abstract
Eyes are a beautiful organ nature has gifted us to see the beauty in the world. Eyes are such complicated and delicate organs. Eyes sometimes get diseased and cause problems in its functioning. Dry Eye Syndrome is such a condition where the eyes run dry and causes visionary problems and discomfort. There are various reasons that lead to the occurrence of this condition. And the diagnosis is based on symptoms and signs and usually ophthalmologists run some tests. Management is symptomatic and often temporary in the modern system of medicine. Whereas, the management in the traditional Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda balances dosha and manages things at the very base of the same.
Introduction
Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition where the lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears and there is also no proper functioning of meibomian glands that are present in eyelids This is also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Dry eye per se is not a disease but is considered to be a symptom of underlying disease. However, Dry Eye Syndrome is somewhat different but usually used interchangeably. This causes discomfort and visual disturbances. Causes behind Dry Eye Syndrome can be physiological and environmental as well as anatomical. The management thus depends on the causative factors. In the following text, we shall know the causes, symptoms, investigations of the condition.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
The exact cause of scleroderma is not known. But it likely caused by a combination of factors including:
- Aqueous tear deficiency
- Mucin deficiency dry eye
- Lipid deficiency and abnormalities
- Impaired eyelid function
- Epitheliopathy
- Wearing contact lens
- Sjogren syndrome
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Medications – such as antihistamine, blood pressure medicines, antidepressants and hormone replacement therapy.
Signs and Symptoms
- Symptoms include foreign body sensation, itching, ocular discomfort, irritation and feeling of dryness.
- Signs include non lustre of ocular surface, stringy mucus and participate matter in the tear film, reduced or absent marginal tear strip and corneal changes in the form of punctate epithelial erosions and filaments and conjunctival xerosis.
Investigations
Tear films tests that include: Tear film break-up (BUT), Schirmer-1 test, Rose Bengal staining.
Prevention
- Avoiding refractive surgical management
- Avoiding and limiting the usage of contact lens and screen timing
- Avoiding dry environmental exposure
Management
- Supplementation with tear substitutes
- Topical cyclosporine
- Mucolytics
- Topical retinoids
- Preservation of existing tears by reducing evaporation and decreasing drainage.
Ayurvedic View And Management
In Ayurveda, the condition of dry eye syndrome can be correlated with shushka akshi paka. It is a disease that is present in all parts of the eye or can be said to involve all the eye. The dosha involved here is vata. According to Acharya Vagbahata the disease is caused by vata and kapha vitiation. These vitiated dosha leads to lustreless eyes, difficult opening and closing of eyelids, foreign body sensation, blurry vision, pricking pain, cutting pain, exudation, suppuration and patients like to have cold applications.
Management as per Acharya Sushruta includes oral and eye paste over the grey line of the eyelids. Oral medicines include purana ghrit pana (Oral administration of ghee, eye submerged with jeevaneeya ghrita (Tarpan), instillation of brumhana taila and anu taila in nostrils (Nasya), eye wash with siandhava lavana and lukewarm milk (parisheka), applying paste of the fried lodhra and ghrita covering eyelids leaving the eyelashes (Vidalaka).
There are different types of anjana that are mentioned in this condition, these are as follows :
- Anjana with shunthi, stanya, ghrita
- Anjana with anupa vasa (animal fat), shunthi, or saindhava lavana
- Anjana made from sanidhava lavan, devadaru, matulunga swarasa, shunhi, ghrita raskriya with stanya
- Anjana with haridra, devdaru, saindhva, lavana ghrita and madhu
- Anjana with keshi masi, ghrita,
- Shunthi, saindhava lavana, rasa kriyanjan with ghrita
- Anjana with madhu, saindhava lavana and gyrica
Other than this following formulations can be used :
- Rasayana churna
- Saptamrit loha
- Praval pishti
- Raupya makshik bhasma
- Shatavari powder
- Dashmoola kwath
- Anu taila and ksheerabala nasya
Lifestyle modifications such as drinking more water to keep body hydrated and frequent blinking voluntarily especially while on screen and reading, avoiding rubbing of the eyes are some helpful assistance is the management of the dry eye syndrome.
Herbal Remedies for Dry Eye Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a growing ayurvedic company and manufacturing unit. Planet Ayurveda’s products are so pure and efficient. Planet Ayurveda is helping people suffering from serious diseases successfully. The products are manufactured according to the ancient texts of Ayurveda. All the products of Planet Ayurveda are cruelty free, halal certified, GMP certified and certified with various agencies. The products are chemical free and free of any preservative and additives. Planet Ayurveda is pleased to inform the masses about its some products that are effective in the management of Dry Eye Syndrome. The list of helpful products are given below.
- Angel Eye Vitale
- Jasnoor Eye Drops
- Mahatriphala Ghrit
- Bilberry Capsules
Products Description
1. Angel Eye Vitale
Angel Eye Vitale is a product of Planet Ayurveda that is effective in managing the Dry Eye Syndrome. The capsules contain the eye strengthening properties of amla (Emblica officinalis), Gotukola (Centella asiatica) and bhringraj (Eclipta alba). In the traditional texts amla has a number of utilities in many diseases. Amla is a rejuvenator that keeps the eyes healthy by regulating the lacrimal system in place. Bhringraj promotes better eyesight. Gotukola strengthens the eyes and it promotes well-being of the eyes. Therefore, Angel Eye Vitale is a must remedy that is helpful in managing Dry Eye Syndrome very well.
Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.
2. Jasnoor Eye drops
Jasnoor Eye drops is a patent product of Planet Ayurveda. The eye drops contain the goodness of haritaki (Terminalia chebula), amla (Emblica officinalis), karpura (Camphora), punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), nirgundi (Vitex negundo), shobhanjan (Moringa oleifera) and various other herbs. These eye drops are a perfect remedy for dry eye syndrome. The herbs within the formulation, manages the condition by regulating the functioning of the lacrimal and meibomian glands. By proper secretion of tears, the associated symptoms of blurry vision and discomfort are also alleviated.
Dosage: Two drops thrice a day.
3. Mahatriphala Ghrit
Mahatriphala Ghrit is a classical medicated ghrita formulation that is helpful in eye disorders. Triphala ghrita balances pitta and kapha doshas. Triphala ghrita is one of the best eye supplements as it provides Vit A because Vitamin A is fat soluble vitamin. It is helpful in Vit A deficiency that can be a cause of Dry Eye Syndrome. Not only this, it is also indicated in other diseases of eyelids or malfunctioning of the lacrimal and meibomian glands, which ultimately help in healthy tear formation.
Dosage: One tsp twice daily with warm water.
4. Bilberry Capsules
Bilberry Capsules contain the extract Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Blueberries’ health benefits are quite in abundance. One of the main indications of Bilberry is eye disorders. Bilberry has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. It is usually used in retinopathies, cataract, age related macular degeneration and dry eye disease. Generally, having nice and extraordinary properties that help eye diseases, makes it a must remedy for Dry Eye Syndrome.
Dosage: Two capsules twice a day.
Conclusion
Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic condition also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Causes are usually anatomical as well as physiological. Lifestyle and environmental factors are also predisposing factors. This usually manifests as foreign body sensation and irritation and impaired vision. If left untreated can result in vision loss. Management in the modern system of medicines are artificial tears drops and some other medications. In the ancient traditional system of Ayurveda, different scholars have mentioned some therapies and medicines that are helpful in the management of Dry Eye Syndrome that are of great help. Planet Ayurveda’s above-mentioned products are very effective in the management of the condition.
