Nethrachikitsa is as old as ayurveda and forms a very critical branch of Ayurvedic treatment. Derived from two Sanskrit words ‘netra’ meaning ‘eyes’ and ‘chikitsa’ meaning ‘treatment’, this is not surprising as eyes are our window to the world and any disease affecting it needs priority treatment. Nethrachikitsa is a branch of Salakyatanthra in ayurveda, which deals with the treatment of entire area of head and neck. In English Nethrachikitsa is termed as Ophthalmology.
Eyes have always been given due importance as an indriya or organ in ayurveda from very ancient times. Traces of Netrachikitsa can be found in the ancient texts of Ayurveda. It has been proved that in earlier times, there was an existence of systematic way of eye treatment, which included different types of therapeutic formulations and practices. Among all the branches of Salakyatanthra, Nethrachikista or Ophthalmology is the most important and popular branch. Ayurveda Eye Disease Treatment explains a total 76 eye diseases, described and classified into various branches such as Vartma gata roga i.e. diseases of the lids, Krishnagata roga (Diseases of cornea) etc.
In Ayurveda, the treatment of eye diseases is done not only by internal medications but also by way of several traditional applications like Anjanam and Aschyothanam. It also includes methods like Nasyam (part of Panchakarma), nethratharpanam and putapakam. Nethrachikitsa also advocates the application of several eye exercises and yoga in order to keep the eyes healthy and efficient for years.
Effective Ayurveda Eye Disease Treatment
If followed in the right method, Ayurvedic ophthalmology is capable of curing several common and chronic eye diseases. Some of the major diseases which can be treated with the help of Ayurveda are: Myopia (short-sight), Hypermetropia (long-sight), Astigmatism, inflammations and infections like Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, Uveitis, Blepharitis, Recurrent stye, Scleritis etc., degenerative eye diseases like Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, Optic atrophy, Lazy eye (amblyopia), Computer-related disorders like Dry Eye (computer vision syndrome), Glaucoma, allergic conditions like central serous retinopathy, spring catarrh, etc. Leading Ayurvedic hospitals of Kerala specialize in Netra Chikitsa and are very proficient in ensuring that eye diseases are cured the ayurvedic way, without any side effects. The potential of Ayurveda can help us to see this beautiful world by our healthy eyes for a longer period of time.
