Preventive and Promotive Eye Care in Ayurveda for School Going Children.

Abstract

In Ayurveda  Shalakyatantra  contains the study of  five sense organs i.e. eye, ear, nose, tongue and skin. Among these sense organs, Ayurveda gives prime importance to the eye. It says “Sarvendriyaanam Nayanam Pradhanam”. Eyes allow to understand and navigate the world around you. Suffering from eye disorders with uncorrected refractive error in children result into adverse effect on quality of life & significantly affect their vision, education and psychosocial development. Most of people pay attention to their eyes only if they have eye problems. However, the hours spent in reading, writing, watching TV, using multimedia mobile and working on computers take their toll on eye health. Working in artificial light (either dim light or bright light) is another culprit for deterioration of eye health. In Ayurveda, selected classical daily regimens like Netraprakshalna, Anjana, Snana, Padabhyanga, Nasya, wholesome and unholsome dietetic are promoted as high-end measures for the maintenance of eye health. Various Netra Vyayamas, Yogasanas, Pranayamas, Neti and Trataka are also said to be beneficial for the same cause. Prevention of eye disorders  and major Ayurvedic promotive measures and perceptions regarding to maintenance of eye health for school going childrens are explored in this article. The aim of this review article is to spreads the awareness of visual health promotive procedures in Ayurveda.

Keywords: Daily Regimen, Promotive Ophthalmology, Lifestyle disorders