Are your eyes feeling parched and begging for relief? Dry eye, the condition that leaves you yearning for moisture, affects countless individuals worldwide. We will dig into the causes, symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle modifications that will drench your eyes in soothing relief.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome, also known as Kerato-conjunctivitis sicca is one of the most frequently encountered eye diseases characterized by insufficient lubrication or moisture in the surface of the eyes. The disease affects affecting nearly 5-35 % of people worldwide.

It occurs when the eye produces insufficient tears or the tears get evaporated quickly leading to dryness, blurring of vision, and other discomforts.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Tears are produced by certain special glands situated in the eyes. Any factors that lead to instability in the eyes result in dry eyes. The factors contributing to the formation of dry eye are:

• Autoimmune disorders.
• Environmental conditions such as extreme heat, dust, wind, and moisture.
• Excessive use of contact lenses.
• Hormonal changes in the body.
• Certain medications.
• Complications of ocular surgeries.
• Excessive use of computers, television, and other gadgets.
• Lack of sleep and dehydration.

Dry eye is more prone in patients with diseases such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid dysfunction, etc.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

The condition presents with varying severity affecting one or both eyes. The commonly presented symptoms are:

• A feeling of dryness or foreign body sensation over the eye.
• Redness, burning sensation, and irritation of eyes.
• Mucus discharge from the eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• Sensitivity towards a bright light.
• Foreign body sensation over the eyes.
• Pain in eyes.
• Difficulty in wearing contact lenses.

What is Dry Eye in Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, dry eye can be correlated with the condition Sushakshipaka. As per Ayurvedic principles, the condition occurs due to the imbalance of vata and pitta dosha resulting in a reduction in tear secretion and changing the quality of tears.

Due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions, excessive straining, inadequate or troublesome sleep, etc, the doshas get vitiated resulting in symptoms like dryness of the eyes, blurring of vision, difficulty in blinking eyes, etc.

How Ayurveda Manages Dry Eye Syndrome.

Ayurveda aims to restore imbalanced Vata and Pitta Dosha and improve the overall health of the eyes. Here are some of the approaches that can be opted for:

1. Nasyam: Instilling medicated oils or ghee into the nasal passage improves tear production and reduces dryness. Nasyam is considered the best panchakarma treatment for the disease above the neck.
2. Tarpanam: The procedure in which the medicated ghee is poured into the eye pits and after creating a small dam around the eyes. It nourishes and lubricates the eyes reducing the symptoms.
3. Parisekam: Eye wash or irrigation is the procedure in which water boiled using medicinal herbs is used for cleansing the eyes.
4. Snehapana: Internal administration of medicinal supplements like ghee etc helps in reducing the symptoms.
5. Anjana: The application of collyrium having vata and pitta hara properties is beneficial in the management of the disease.
6. Eye drops Instillation of ayurvedic medicinal supplements with cooling and lubricating properties.

Along with the above therapies, other external Ayurveda therapies such as Putapaka, Aschotana, Bidalaka, and Shirodhara are useful in the management of dry eye.

Yoga practices can also help to reduce eye strain and also build up the stamina of eye muscles.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Make a conscious effort to blink your eye frequently, especially during screen time or activities that require intense focus.
• Take 5-10 minutes of intervals during extended screen time.
• Maintain a proper distance between the eyes and the working gadget to avoid straining of eyes.
• Adjust the humidity and moisture of the air in heated and air-conditioned rooms.
• Use sunglasses or goggles while going outside.
• Avoid smoking, allergens, eye rubbing, and other factors that worsen the situation.
• Include food rich in vitamin A, leafy vegetables, carrots, fish, and flax seeds.

Conclusion

Ayurveda has been used for many centuries to manage various eye problems including cataract, glaucoma, dry eyes syndrome and in treating various muscular degenerative diseases. At Ayurclinic Melbourne, we provide a systematic analysis of patients followed by various diagnostic procedures to ascertain the level of intensity of the dryness in the eyes. Our expert team of Ayurveda practitioners indulges in various eye care routine practices to achieve the goal of nourishing your vision.

Start your journey towards comprehensive wellness with our unique range of Ayurvedic eye care solutions. For expert ayurvedic consultation and treatment process, call us @ +61 3 9078 2940 and schedule and appointment.