Eye

The eye is a slightly asymmetrical globe with a diameter of about an

inch. The round shape of the eye is maintained by the pressure of
the aqueous humour, a fluid that fills the front chamber of the eye.
The front part of the eye (the part you see in the mirror) includes:

• The iris (the pigmented part)

• The cornea (a clear dome over the iris)The pupil (the black
circular opening in the iris that lets light in)
• The sclera (the white part), and
• The conjunctiva (a thin layer of tissue covering the front of
the eye, except the cornea)
Just behind the iris and pupil lies the lens, which helps focus light
on the back of the eye. Most of the eye is filled with a clear gel called
the vitreous. Light projects through the pupil and the lens to the
back of the eye. The inside lining of the eye is covered with special
light-sensing cells that are collectively called the retina. The retina
converts light into electrical impulses, and the optic nerve carries
these impulses to the brain. The macula is a small extra-sensitive
area within the retina that gives central vision. It is located at the
center of the retina and contains the fovea, a pit at the center of the
macula that creates the clearest vision.
 The colour or the eye is dependent on the amount and type
of pigment in the iris. Multiple genes inherited from each parent
determine a person’s eye colour.
Functions
The eye works with the brain to provide us with vision. The cornea,
lens and vitreous bent the light rays entering the eyes, refract and
focus them on the retina. The resulting image on the retina is upside-
down. The light rays are then converted to electrical impulses and
transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain where the image is
translated and perceived in an upright position.
Problems
Some common eye problems include:
Diabetic retinopathy
It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina of diabetic
patients.
Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is the name given to a group of inherited
eye diseases that affect the retina. It causes degeneration of
photoreceptor cells in the retina. As these cells degenerate and die,
patients experience progressive vision loss.
Macular degeneration
It is a disease that destroys the small central area of the retina that
controls visual acuity.
Age related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision
loss among people aged 60 and above.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease caused by Increased Intraocular Pressure
(IOP), resulting either from a malformation, or malfunction of the
eye’s drainage structures. If left untreated, an elevated IOP causes
irreversible damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibres resulting in
a progressive and permanent loss of vision.
Retinal detachment
A retinal detachment is a serious and sight-threatening event
that happens when the retina gets separated from its underlying
supportive tissue. The retina cannot function when these layers are
detached and unless it is reattached quickly, permanent vision loss
may occur.
Myopic degeneration
Progressive myopia causes degeneration of the retina and retinal
detachment, resulting in permanent loss of vision.
Infections
The eyes can get infected by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Their
treatment would depend on the cause of the infection and may
include compresses, eye drops, creams or antibiotics.
Dry eyes
This happens when your eyes can’t make enough good-quality tears.
You might feel a burning sensation, as if something was in your eye. In
a few severe cases, extreme dryness can lead to partial loss of vision.
Floaters
These are tiny spots or specks that float across your field of vision.
Most people notice them in well-lit rooms or outdoors on a bright day.
Causes
Symptoms
• Severe and sudden eye pain
• Recurrent pain in or around the eye
• Hazy, blurred or double vision
• Seeing flashes of light or sudden bright floating spots
• Seeing rainbows or halos around lights
• Seeing floating ‘spider webs’
• Seeing a ‘curtain coming down’ over one eye
• Eye infections; symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling,
discharge, pain or problems with vision
• Tired eyes
 Eye Cleanse
Eyes are the most important of all sensory organs. We have
described a few cleansing procedures here, however, unlike other
cleanses, it is advisable to practice these under supervision.
Eye Cleanse using turmeric
(हहहहह) Take about 10gm of
turmeric powder and dissolve it in
cold water. Soak pieces of eye
gauze in this water and put a
piece over
each eye. Cover these with
water-soaked towels and
put some ice cubes on the
towels so that they remain cool.
Do this for 20 minutes for three days.
This clears sclera and dissolves floaters
in the eye. You will also notice immediate
improvement in vision. Turmeric contains an
antioxidant called curcumin, which has been found to prevent
cataracts.
Benefits
• Relieves irritation after exposure to light (or lack of enough
light in vision)
• Relieves stiffness or rigidity in eyes
• Relieves extreme dryness in eyes
• Cures injuries to the eye
• Helps treat diseases of the eye caused due to aggravation
of Vata and Pitta
• Helps in correcting abnormal deviation of the eye ball
• Stops eye lashes from droopingRemoves dirt in eyes
• Makes it easy to open or close eyes
• Cures cellulitis (acute orbital cellulitis) occurring in eyes
• Cures hyperaemia of conjunctiva conjunctivitis, Glaucoma,
atrophy of the cranial nerves, inflammation of cornea and
pacifies redness in eyes, tearing, pain, irritation and dirt.
Netra vasti (basti)
This is a special treatment
in which the eyes are
bathed in pure medicated
cow ghee. This procedure
takes 15 minutes and
is very useful to treat
conditions, such as dry
eye syndrome, chronic
conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer and glaucoma.
Ingredients
• Medicated cow ghee
• Flour
Procedure
Medicated ghee is filled in a flour compartment (vasti) created
around the eyes and left in place for a fixed duration of time. This
procedure nourishes and strengthens eyes and cures eye diseases.
Benefits
• Relieves strain from staring at the computer and TV screen
for too long
• Helps in preventing early formation of cataract
• Reduces pain and burning sensation in the eyes
• Relaxes and cools eyes
Shiro-dhara
Shirodhara involves gently pouring
liquids over the forehead and can
be one of the steps involved in
Panchakarma. The name comes
from the Sanskrit words ‘shiro’
(head) and ‘dhara’ (flow).
Ingredients and tools (any of the
following to be used):
• Ksheera Bala taila
• Karpasasthyadi tailam
• Chandanadi tailam
• Dhanwantharam tailam
 • Narayana tailam
• Jal (water)
• Dugdha (milk)
• Shirodhara pot or shirodhara electric machine
Procedure
In this method, a continuous stream of warm medicated oil/herbal
decoctions/medicated milk/buttermilk is poured on the forehead for
45 to 90 minutes. This procedure often induces a trance-like mental
state, which profoundly relaxes the mind and body. It also helps in
keeping the eyes healthy.
Benefits
• Strengthens the Central Nervous System (CNS)Strengthens
our sensory organs, including eyes
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Decreases hypertension
Shirovasti
Shirovasti or Shiro Vasti is a term
comprising of two words, ‘Shiro’ meaning
head and ‘Vasti’ meaning pooling of
herbal oils and/or medicated liquids on
the head.
Ingredients and tools
• Sesame oil (unless specified) or
• Taila (coconut oil or any herbal oil), or cow ghee.
Procedure
This is the most important of all external oil applications. Any of the
above oils are heated to a lukewarm temperature and poured into
a cap fitted over the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day (for seven
days), according to the patient’s condition.
Benefits
It helps the most in treating-
• optic atrophy,
• deafness,
• facial paralysis and diseases affecting the cranial nerves.
Home remedies
Eyes that are perpetually dry or itchy due to allergies may benefit from a homemade
eyewash. Some people also use homemade eyewashes to relieve tired or strained eyes,
or to refresh eyes.
Water and salt
This is a very simple recipe for homemade eyewash. Boil one cup of water with one
teaspoon of salt. This liquid can be used as both an eyewash and a nasal rinse.
Green tea
This eyewash is a simple mixture of two parts of brewed green tea and one part of
water. This remedy keeps the eyes cool and refreshed.
Aloe Vera juice
Freeze Aloe Vera juice and then mix a little cold water in it. Using a clean piece of cotton to
apply this mixture over your eyes.
Warm milk and honey
Mix equal parts of honey and milk (make sure the milk is warm, not boiling) and stir until the
honey dissolves completely in the milk. Use an eyedropper to drop 2-3 drops in your eyes
several times a day. Alternatively, you can use this mixture as a compress.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid that helps fight bacterial infections. Mix one
tablespoon of pure apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Use a cotton ball to wash your eyes
with this mixture.
Rose water
Rose water is very helpful in treating sore eyes. Take a cotton ball, soak it in rose water
and place it over the eyes. This will provide immediate relief and relieve any burning
sensations in nearly five minutes.
Note: None of these homemade products should be kept for more than a day or two. Since
they do not contain added preservatives, they may introduce bacteria to the eye, if kept
longer than two days.