How to cure dry eyes permanently

A dry eye is a condition where a person does not produce enough tears to lubricate and nourish the eye properly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the eye’s front surface and ensuring clear vision.Before understanding the permanent cure let’s go through a brief understanding about what dry eye is, its functions, various symptoms, causes and treatment for dry eyes.

What is Dry eye and Its Function ?

Before proceeding let’s understand what dry eye is. Dry eye is a common and chronic issue, especially among older adults. Each blink spreads tears across the eye’s front surface, called the cornea. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infections, wash away foreign particles, and keep the eye’s surface smooth and clear. Excess tears drain into small ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, leading to the back of the nose. Dry eyes occur when tear production and drainage are out of balance.

What do patients with Dry eye experience?

As per recent research it has been shown that patients with dry eyes may experience a significant increase in aqueous humor flares, indicating potential blood-aqueous barrier disruption and deeper tissue involvement. This is in addition to the fact that tears wash the internal parts of the eye, including the lens and cornea, providing nutrition and removing waste metabolites.

What are dry eye causes ?

There are various dry eye causes which may include

Aging : Dry eyes are a natural part of the aging process, and most people over 65 experience some symptoms.

Gender: Women are more prone to dry eyes due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and menopause.

Medications: It’s important to note that certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants, can potentially decrease tear production.

Medical Conditions: Dry eyes are more likely to occur in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid issues. Additionally, inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) and other inflammatory conditions can contribute to dry eyes.

Dry eye symptoms

People with dry eyes symptoms may experience irritation, a gritty or scratchy sensation, burning eyes, the feeling of something in their eyes, excessive watering, and blurred vision.

Symptoms include:

Redness
Stinging, scratching, or burning sensations
Light sensitivity
Watery eyes
Stringy mucus near the eye
Blurry vision

Ayurvedic Dry eye Treatment

Ayurvedic dry eye treatment focuses on balancing the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and using natural remedies to soothe and nourish the eyes. Here are some effective Ayurvedic treatments for dry eyes:

Triphala Wash:

Preparation: Soak Triphala powder in water overnight. Strain the water in the morning.

Usage: Use this water to wash your eyes. Triphala is known for its cleansing and nourishing properties.

Ghee (Clarified Butter):

Usage: Apply a small amount of pure cow’s ghee around the eyelids before bedtime. You can also consume ghee daily to nourish the eyes from within.

Benefits: Ghee helps in lubricating the eyes and reducing dryness.

Castor Oil:

Usage: Apply a drop of pure, cold-pressed castor oil in each eye before bed.
Benefits: Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in lubricating the eyes.

Rose Water:

Usage: Use a few drops of pure rose water as eye drops, or soak cotton pads in rose water and place them on closed eyelids.

Benefits: Rose water has cooling and soothing effects on the eyes.

Aloe Vera Gel:

Usage: Apply pure aloe vera gel around the eyes or use a few drops as eye drops.

Benefits: Aloe vera helps in moisturizing and soothing the eyes.

Cucumber Slices:

Usage: Place chilled cucumber slices on your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.

Benefits: Cucumber provides a cooling effect and helps reduce dryness and irritation.

Fennel Tea:

Preparation: Boil fennel seeds in water and allow the tea to cool.

Usage: Use this tea to wash your eyes or soak cotton pads in it and place them on your eyes.

Benefits: Fennel tea helps in soothing and reducing inflammation in the eyes.

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

Hydration:

1. - Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and eyes hydrated.

Regular Eye Exercises:

1. - Practice eye exercises to improve eye health and reduce dryness.

Adequate Sleep:

- Ensure you sleep 7-8 hours every night to allow your eyes to rest and rejuvenate.

By incorporating these Ayurvedic remedies and lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage and reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment.

NetraTarpana : The Preferred Panchakarma Therapy for Eyes

Netra Tarpana is an Ayurvedic therapy designed to nourish and rejuvenate the eyes. The term “Netra Tarpana” comes from the Sanskrit words “netra” (eyes) and “tarpana” (nourishment or satisfaction). This traditional treatment involves applying medicated ghee (clarified butter) around the eyes using a specially constructed dam made of dough.

The eyes are gently bathed in warm, soothing ghee, allowing the medicated oil to penetrate the ocular tissues, providing nourishment, lubrication, and rejuvenation.

The process starts with the preparation of the medicated ghee, customized based on the individual’s Ayurvedic constitution (Prakriti) and specific ocular concerns.

The ghee may be infused with herbs beneficial for eye health, such as Triphala (a combination of three fruits), Saffron, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Rose petals. The dough dam, typically made from black gram flour or wheat flour, is placed around the eyes to ensure the medicated ghee remains in contact with the ocular surface during the treatment.

Once the dough dam is in place, warm medicated ghee is poured into the enclosure, covering the eyes completely. The individual lies comfortably with closed eyes while the ghee remains in contact with the ocular tissue for 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, the soothing warmth of the ghee promotes relaxation, and the therapeutic properties of the herbs penetrate the eyes, nourishing the tissues, lubricating the tear film, and revitalizing the visual system.

After the designated period, the excess ghee is carefully removed, and the eyes may be gently cleansed with lukewarm water. Netra Tarpana is often performed as part of a series of treatments prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners to address specific eye conditions, promote eye health, and enhance overall well-being.

Ayurvedic treatment for dry eyes provides a comprehensive approach that addresses the condition’s root causes, restores balance to the doshas, and rejuvenates ocular tissues. By incorporating herbal remedies, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and traditional therapies like Netra Tarpana, individuals with dry eyes can experience long-lasting relief and improved ocular health. Consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner can offer personalized guidance and optimize treatment outcomes for dry eye syndrome, nourishing vision for a brighter future.