Ayurvedic Treatments For The Eyes Eyes are critical for one’s quality of life. They are the windows to the soul and yet most people do not pay much regard to their care. The eyes usually get attention when there is a problem and one seeks Ayurvedic treatment for eye problems. We put our eyes through stress with the overuse of digital devices and exposure to too much light. This is not often balanced out with adequate eye care practices. Diseases such as diabetes that are aggravated by poor lifestyle choices and habits also adversely impact our eyes. Just as the whole body is a combination of all the elements, the parts of the eye are also related to elements. The muscles in the eye are governed by the earth element, the blood vessels by fire, eye color by air, the eye white by water, and the tear ducts and channels by space. Eyes are the seat of the Pitta Dosha. The Alochaka Pitta, in particular, governs the eye and since the Pitta Dosha gets more unbalanced with age, advancing age affects the eyes. The eyes and their care are described in the ancient Ayurvedic texts. Good eye care habits help to keep the eyes healthy and vision clear. Ayurvedic wisdom states that the eyes should be bathed with cool water in the morning while holding water in the mouth at the same time. Very hot or very cold water should not be used on the eyes. Staring intensely at a ghee lamp that has been lit with a cotton wick is an Ayurvedic medicine for eye vision improvement. It adds strength to the vision and improves eye luster. A good way to soothe tired eyes is to place cotton soaked in fresh goat’s milk over them. A simple Ayurvedic treatment for dry eyes is a drop of pure castor oil on each eye along with the oil applied on the soles of the feet. Cucumber slices are also an Ayurvedic treatment for eye care and soothe the eyes with their cooling moist effect. Ayurvedic treatment for glaucoma includes the use of traditional ingredients such as Amla and Punarnava. Ayurveda treats all health issues holistically and glaucoma is defined as a Kapha Dosha problem. It is treated both externally and with internal medication in Ayurveda. Herbal mixtures such as Triphala have been described in ancient texts as Ayurvedic medicine to improve eyesight. Triphala is administered orally or in the form of Ayurvedic eye drops as required. Certain Yoga exercises for the eyes can be a supplement to Ayurvedic medicine for eye vision improvement. One must sit in the Sukhasana and roll the eyes upward, then downward, left, and then right. This should be repeated several times. When using a computer or watching TV, take occasional breaks and look away from the computer. Alternatively focusing on something near and then something far away gives your eyes some relief. Dry eyes are caused by an aggravated Vata Dosha and this should be managed with Ayurvedic treatment for dry eyes and an appropriate diet. Preventive treatment is the best Ayurvedic treatment for eyes and their health.