Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. It’s more common in people over the age of 50. The consequences range from subtle but constant irritation to inflammation of the anterior tissues of the eye and blurry vision. In this blog, I will be talking about Ayurvedic Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), keratitis sicca or simply dry eyes. It is an eye disease in which tear film evaporation is high or tear production is low. Dry eye syndrome is commonly found in humans and some animals. The patient’s eyes dry out and become inflamed.
What causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
These are the following causes of dry eyes:
- Dry climate
- Hot blowing air
- Dry air in an airplane cabin or from the Car AC duct.
- Working in front of a computer that leads to slow blinking rate
- Driving a vehicle
- Reading
- Smoke
- Contact lenses
- Shingles
- Bell’s palsy
- HIV
- Harsh Sun
- Heavy Wind
- High altitude
Also Read: Ayurvedic Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of dry eye include:
- A stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Dryness in the eyes
- Soreness in the eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Eye sensitivity to smoke
- Sensitivity to wind, leading to watery eyes.
- Redness of the eyes
- Eye fatigue, even after reading for a relatively short period
- Sensitivity to light
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Tearing
- Blurred vision – usually worse towards the end of the day
- Double vision in a few cases
- Eyelids sticking together when waking up
Also Read: Ayurvedic treatment for dry skin
Did you know?
When tear production lowers to a certain point, the eyes can become dry and easily irritated and inflamed. We tend to produce fewer tears after the age of 40 years.
How Ayurveda can help?
In Ayurveda, the Dry Eye Syndrome is treated in a very different manner. It is treated with the use of ghee. The Triphala ghee is normally used in order to cure a number of eye diseases including the dry eye syndrome. Name of the procedure is netra tarpana. Ghee is said to have a number of nutritional values and assists in regulating the tears, eyelids as well as the extraocular muscles.
Also Read: 10 best nutrients for your eyes
Home remedies you can try:
- Use a humidifier that puts more moisture in the air.
- Avoid increasing the speed of ceiling fans and/or oscillating fans.
- Use warm compresses and eyelid scrubs with baby shampoo.
- Try artificial tears and lubricating eye drops and gels to help provide more moisture and lubrication for the surface of your eye.
- Take frequent breaks to allow the eyes to rest and become moist, while reading, working, watching TV etc.
A word of advice:
- Apply a warm washcloth to your eyes. Hold the cloth over your eyes for five minutes. Re-wet the cloth with warm water when it cools. Gently rub the washcloth over your eyelids to loosen any debris.
- Use mild soap on your eyelids. Put the soap on your clean fingertips and gently massage your closed eyes near the base of your eyelashes. Rinse the soap completely away.
Testimonial: Ayurvedic Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome
Ramalingam 47 yrs – Driver.
I had been facing a dry eye problem for a long time. The burning sensation and pain made it so difficult for me. I couldn’t read, had trouble driving. I tried to keep doing what I could but I felt miserable. Then I came across Dr. Brahmanand Nayak, my friend really insisted me to visit him just once.
I went to his clinic and explained my situation. He examined me carefully and immediately began treatment. It’s been six months, I am taking his medication. My eyes have stopped burning. There is no more pain. I have watery eyes. The doctor has assured me that I will be alright in a few months. I am so relieved.