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  2. Volume 1 I Issue 3 [July To September]
  3. Shalakya Tantra Approaches to Eye Disorders in Samhitas – A Review
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Dr. Jalpa Gandhi

Shalakya Tantra Approaches to Eye Disorders in Samhitas – A Review

Introduction: Shalakya Tantra, one of the eight branches of Ayurveda, deals with diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat. Among these, eye disorders hold special emphasis in classical texts due to the critical role of vision in life. The Samhitas—Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya—provide elaborate descriptions of ocular diseases, their etiopathogenesis, and management strategies. Methods: A comprehensive review of Ayurvedic classics with commentaries, as well as modern sources from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, was performed. Inclusion criteria were Ayurvedic references to eye diseases and therapeutic measures, along with modern clinical and experimental studies evaluating Ayurvedic ophthalmic interventions. Exclusion criteria were anecdotal reports and non-peer-reviewed materials. Results: Over 70 types of Netra Roga are described in the Samhitas, categorized by anatomical location such as Vartma (eyelid), Shukla (sclera), Krishna Mandala (cornea/iris), and Sarva Akshi Gata Roga (whole eye). Etiological factors include Dosha vitiation, faulty diet, systemic diseases, and trauma. Management strategies involve general measures (Snehana, Swedana), specialized Kriya Kalpas (Anjana, Aschyotana, Tarpana, Putapaka, Seka), and surgical interventions. Modern studies validate several Ayurvedic therapies, especially Tarpana for dry eye and herbal formulations for conjunctivitis and keratitis. Discussion: Shalakya Tantra offers a holistic framework for prevention and management of ocular disorders. While modern ophthalmology excels in microsurgery and pharmacology, Ayurvedic therapies emphasize tissue rejuvenation and systemic correction. Integration of both approaches can enhance outcomes in chronic and degenerative diseases. Conclusion: Shalakya Tantra presents a sophisticated understanding of eye disorders with preventive, therapeutic, and surgical strategies. Future translational research and integrative models may help establish evidence-based Ayurvedic ophthalmology in global eye care.

 

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Kriya Kalpa, Netra Roga, Ophthalmology, Shalakya Tantra