Eye Health in Ayurveda

2025 December 27

The variety of colors and shapes, the interplay of light and dark – we perceive all of this with our eyes. The significance of our eyes is also demonstrated by the fact that 70 to 80% of all our perceptions are mediated through them. It is therefore no wonder that our sense of sight is considered extremely important in conventional medicine as well as in Ayurveda. This is also reflected in the classification of the Doshas and Subdoshas. Each of the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – is divided into five Subdoshas. While each Subdosha is usually responsible for several bodily functions, the Pitta Dosha has its own Subdosha that is exclusively assigned to the eyes. At the same time, there are other Subdoshas that additionally influence the function of the eyes.

Eye care is worth it!

While our ancestors scanned the distance for game, fruit, etc., today we almost only look straight ahead – and far too often and for too long we stare rigidly at a nearby screen or smartphone. Just as we know from other one-sided postures and movements, we no longer use the naturally intended angles of movement in the eye area, and this can sooner or later affect our eye muscles. The blood circulation to the eye muscles and the optic nerve decreases.

Dry, burning eyes, eye pain, poorer vision, increasing short-sightedness in children... – all these can be possible consequences.

But there is another way – if we start to give our eyes the attention and care they deserve!

Eye care is worth it!

Dry, burning eyes, eye pain, poorer vision, increasing short-sightedness in children... – all these can be possible consequences.

But there is another way – if we start to give our eyes the attention and care they deserve!

Eye disorders from an Ayurvedic perspective

Similar to other discomforts, eye disorders are considered an expression of an imbalance of the three Doshas, which needs to be harmonized.

We spoke with Dr. med. Stephania Lorenz, an ophthalmologist and trained Maharishi Ayurveda physician, as well as a long-standing board member of the German Society for Ayurveda.

Dr. med. Lorenz explains: "Ayurveda describes precise processes by which eye disorders typically manifest."

Eyes as a mirror of body and soul

Anyone who has ever looked into the glassy eyes of a feverish child or the radiant eyes of a happy person knows: The eyes tell us a lot about a person and their well-being. Conventional medicine also uses a look into the eye to gain clues about diseases – even those that go far beyond the eyes.

It is fascinating how precisely eye disorders were distinguished in traditional Ayurvedic scriptures 3500 years ago – and without the technical equipment that ophthalmologists have today. The Sushruta Samhita alone distinguishes 64, and the Vaghbata Samhita even 94 different eye diseases.

Eye treatment in Maharishi Ayurveda

As always in Ayurveda, the treatment of eye diseases never focuses solely on the affected organ. Rather, it is about improving the overall Dosha balance – from which the person as a whole benefits, in addition to their eyes. Based on the results of Ayurvedic diagnostics, the usual spectrum of Ayurvedic approaches is used.

In addition, the ancient Vedic scriptures recommend the following specifically for maintaining eye health:

Restraint during sunbathing
Avoid overstraining the eyes
No rapid temperature changes from hot to cold
No prolonged staring at a specific spot
Good night's sleep, no daytime sleep

Further Vedic eye treatments are described in the Shalakya Tantra and the Netra Chikitsa:

Applications with medicinal oils or Ghee
Linen bags
Nasal reflex treatment
Decoctions
Panchakarma for internal cleansing
Ayurvedic Kohl

By the way, kohl for eye care is found not only in Indian tradition but also in the Arab tradition of Egypt.

In Ayurveda, the Amla fruit (Amalaki), also known as "eye strengthener," is a particularly important medicinal plant for the eyes.

The Amla berry is considered Pitta-regulating. Since the eyes are linked to Pitta, other Pitta-balancing remedies, such as spice mixtures, are recommended to support the eyes in addition to Amalaki.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, Ghee is a good remedy for eye care. For dry eyes, Ayurveda uses it, for example, in the context of eye washes. Dr. Lorenz recommends her patients with dry eyes to put a warmed drop of Ghee into the eye before going to bed. The great effects on the eye were incidentally validated in a study by the University of Graz by Prof. O Schmut (S Mathew, E Kettler-Schmut, O Schmut; 2008).

For eyes prone to inflammation, Dr. Lorenz likes to work with rose or Triphala water during the day to soothe them.

Cooling, soothing compresses with Triphala water for dry, red or irritated eyes

Boil 1 tsp Triphala powder (or 1–2 finely ground Triphala Plus tablets) in water
Let the mixture rest overnight and filter in the morning
Dip 2 cotton pads into the Triphala water, gently squeeze them, and place them on both eyes for about 5 minutes

According to the holistic understanding of Ayurveda, the described applications never affect only the eye, but always the whole person. Conversely, everything that serves the general Dosha balance in the body also benefits the eyes. Accordingly, the usual Ayurvedic recommendations also apply to eye diseases. Dr. Lorenz particularly emphasizes the value of Yoga asanas and "Pranayama", the yogic breathing exercises (especially alternate nostril breathing) to balance the Doshas.

Ayurvedic morning ritual for all senses

The Ayurvedic morning routine plays an important role in self-care. Adapted to the five senses, this means for Dr. Lorenz:

Early rising
Drinking warm water
Oral hygiene
Nasal cleansing
Cleansing and care of the eyes (place cotton pads soaked in rose water on the eyes, sprinkle cold water on the face (eyes closed) in the morning).
Ear care with sesame oil
Bathing (possibly with preceding Abhyanga)

Additionally, a few tips and exercises from our Maharishi Ayurveda Europe editorial team:

Interrupt your computer work after 60-90 minutes at the latest, stand up and look out the window, preferably into greenery, if possible.
Use this short break to regenerate and relax your eyes.
Compresses with Pitta Tea promise pleasant cooling for irritated eyes: simply let boiled tea bags cool down and place them on your closed eyelids for a few minutes.

Perform a few eye exercises daily, for example:

The "pencil exercise" to improve vision
Take a pencil in your hand (alternatively, you can use your thumb), stretch your arm out completely so that the pencil/thumb is vertical and at eye level, then bend your arm and slowly bring your hand very close to your eyes. (Be careful not to touch your eye). Breathe calmly throughout the exercise. During the entire exercise, focus your gaze on the tip of the pencil/the upper edge of your thumb. You can perform this movement up to 20 times (slowly). Afterwards, come out of the position, close your eyes and relax.
Exercise for tired and dry eyes
Relax your face, open your eyes as wide as possible. Keep your head still and move your eyes as far as possible to the right. Then move your eyes clockwise very slowly and gently, completing a full circle until you return to the right side. This should take at least five seconds. Close your eyes, relax briefly and then repeat the exercise. Then perform the exercise twice counter-clockwise. You can also close your eyes if you prefer.

Finally, you can do a relaxation exercise for your eyes. This exercise is also particularly beneficial on its own for tired eyes.

Rub your palms together until you feel warmth. Close your eyes and place your palms over your eyes. Feel the warmth and relax your eyes. Bend your head towards the floor. Your hands support your head so that your head can relax. Breathe calmly and hold this position for 10 seconds. You don't have to place your hands directly on your face if it's uncomfortable, but you should feel the warmth of your hands. Make sure your palms cover your eyelids, not your fingers.

Conclusion

Dr. Lorenz sees herself on a good path with the combination of conventional medicine and Maharishi Ayurveda to strengthen people with eye ailments in their entirety and to help them improve their view of things in every respect.

We thank Dr. Lorenz for her expert contribution to this article!

Dr. med. Stephania Lorenz

During her medical studies in Halle-Wittenberg, Dr. med. Stephania Lorenz discovered her love for complementary medicine. This was followed by further training in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Ayurveda. After 27 years of working in her own ophthalmology practice, the devotee of Maharishi Ayurveda now dedicates herself entirely to her Ayurvedic consultations.

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