What are contact lenses and how can Ayurveda help with eye health and comfort? - #16625

Dryness and irritation with contact lenses can be quite bothersome, and it sounds like you’re doing the right thing by seeking out long-term solutions beyond just eye drops. Ayurveda indeed takes a holistic approach to eye health, looking at symptoms as part of a bigger picture relating to your body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), your lifestyle, diet, and more.

For long-term relief and overall eye health, there’s some stuff in Ayurveda to consider. Take Triphala for instance; it’s a common herb mix known to support eye health. Some people actually make a Triphala eye wash. You’ll wanna soak a small amount of Triphala powder in fresh water overnight, then strain it really well in the morning. The clear liquid is gentle enough to splash on closed eyes—super refreshing actually—just don’t go overboard.

Castor oil is another suggestion—one that’s been used for eye lubrication. A drop of pure, cold-pressed castor oil applied at bedtime to the corner of each eye may help. Castor oil can be calming, but check with your doctor first if you wear lenses.

Ghee is sometimes used in Ayurvedic therapies called ‘Netra Tarpana’—like a ghee eye bath. Probably not something you can do at home unless you really know your stuff, but some Ayurvedic practitioners provide it.

In terms of diet, yes, Amla can be awesome for the eyes. It’s super high in Vitamin C and used to support Pitta and balance the body’s heat, and it’s simple to add to your diet. You could try amla juice in the morning. Saffron too… it can be brewed in milk, a pinch. It’s thought to have antioxidative properties that may protect eyes from stress and dryness.

Supplements that strengthen your Agni—your digestion—like a triphala churna taken at night, can support nutrient absorption. And don’t forget to bump up your hydration. Plenty of water keeps your eyes moist too.

Remember tho, it’s key to look at your overall lifestyle—like reducing screen time or taking breaks when using computers. Who knew how much lifestyle stuff feeds into our eye health? Keep in mind that what works for others may not always work for you… people react differently, so trial and error with careful observation can be helpful.