Xerophthalmia - Can Ayurveda Help with Chronic Eye Dryness and Irritation?

Question

For the past few months, my eyes have been feeling unusually dry, and no matter how much water I drink, the discomfort doesn’t go away. At first, I thought it was just from staring at screens too much, but even when I reduce my screen time, my eyes still feel scratchy, irritated, and sometimes even a bit painful. There are times when my vision becomes slightly blurry, especially in the evenings. I also notice that my eyes don’t produce enough tears, and I often have to blink excessively to feel some relief.

I recently visited an eye specialist, and they said I might have xerophthalmia, possibly due to a vitamin A deficiency. They suggested taking vitamin supplements, but I want to explore a more natural way to manage this. I’ve heard that Ayurveda has remedies for eye health and dryness. Are there specific herbs or oils that can help with xerophthalmia? Would something like Triphala or ghee application be beneficial?

I also wonder if diet plays a big role. Are there specific foods or spices that can help improve tear production and overall eye moisture? Also, does Ayurveda suggest any lifestyle changes or eye exercises that might help relieve xerophthalmia symptoms in the long run? I’d really like to avoid relying on artificial tear drops forever.

Would Panchakarma therapy or any Ayurvedic detox be helpful for xerophthalmia? I’ve heard that excess Pitta or Vata imbalance can contribute to dryness – could this be the reason my eyes are always dry and irritated? I’d love to know how Ayurveda sees xerophthalmia and the best ways to manage it naturally.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, dry eyes (xerophthalmia) are often linked to an imbalance in Vata and Pitta doshas, which can lead to dehydration, heat, and insufficient tear production. Since you’re experiencing blurry vision, irritation, and excessive blinking, your body may be lacking internal lubrication and nourishment. Triphala is one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for eye health—it can be used as a herbal wash, eye drops, or even taken internally to cleanse and strengthen the eyes. Applying pure cow ghee (especially medicated ghee like Triphala ghee) to the eyes or consuming it daily can also provide deep nourishment and help restore moisture.

Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining eye hydration and tear production. Ayurveda recommends including vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and dairy to support eye health. Hydrating and cooling foods like cucumber, aloe vera juice, soaked almonds, and fennel seeds can also help balance excess heat (Pitta) and dryness (Vata). Reducing spicy, fried, and excessively salty foods is essential, as they can aggravate dryness. Adding healthy fats like ghee, sesame oil, and nuts can help maintain internal moisture.

For lifestyle changes, eye exercises like palming, gentle blinking, and rotating the eyes can help relieve strain. Avoid excessive screen time, and follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). Ayurvedic practices like Netra Tarpana (a ghee therapy for the eyes) and Nasya (application of medicated oils in the nose, like Anu Tailam) can be extremely beneficial for dryness and vision clarity. Keeping the body hydrated with warm herbal teas and infused water can also help.

Panchakarma therapy, especially Virechana (detox through purgation) and Netra Basti (eye ghee therapy), may help if the dryness is due to excess heat or toxin buildup. Since both Vata and Pitta imbalances can contribute to xerophthalmia, an Ayurvedic practitioner can help determine the right treatments. Have you noticed if your symptoms worsen with stress, certain foods, or seasonal changes? Identifying triggers can help personalize Ayurvedic remedies for long-term relief.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, xerophthalmia is often linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which governs dryness in the body, as well as Pitta dosha, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. To address this, it’s important to balance these doshas. Triphala, known for its rejuvenating properties, can be beneficial for eye health and improving moisture production. Regular consumption of ghee, especially in the evening, can help nourish the eyes from the inside by lubricating them and calming dryness. For external use, applying rose water or almond oil around the eyes can soothe irritation. Diet plays a significant role; incorporating foods rich in Vitamin A, like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, along with healthy fats like ghee and coconut oil, can support tear production. Spices such as turmeric and fennel are also recommended for their anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. Lifestyle changes like practicing eye exercises, taking regular breaks from screens, and ensuring adequate sleep can relieve strain and promote moisture. Panchakarma therapies such as Nasya (nasal oiling) and Snehana (oil application) can help detoxify the body, balance doshas, and reduce dryness. Avoiding excessive salty, spicy, or drying foods can also help maintain moisture in the eyes.

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