Corneal xerosis

Question

A few months ago, my eyes started feeling dry, but I ignored it, thinking it was just because of too much screen time. I work on my laptop all day, and when I’m not working, I’m on my phone—scrolling, watching videos, reading. My eyes would feel tired, but I didn’t think it was serious. Then, I started feeling like there was something stuck in my eyes, like grains of sand. I kept rubbing them, but it didn’t help.

Now, the dryness is unbearable. My eyes feel scratchy all the time, especially in the mornings. At night, my vision gets blurry, and I’ve noticed these tiny white spots on my eyes. Someone told me it could be corneal xerosis, so I started searching online, and now I’m really worried. I read that corneal xerosis is linked to vitamin A deficiency. I won’t lie—my diet is pretty bad. I eat a lot of instant noodles, chips, and junk food. I barely eat vegetables, and I don’t remember the last time I had carrots or leafy greens. Could my bad diet be the reason for corneal xerosis?

Lately, my eyes have become super sensitive to light. When I go outside, the sunlight feels way too bright, and my eyes start watering uncontrollably. But when I’m indoors, my eyes feel painfully dry. I tried using eye drops, but they only give relief for a short time. After a while, the dryness comes back, sometimes worse than before. Is this a sign that my corneal xerosis is getting worse?

I’m really scared about this because I read that if corneal xerosis is left untreated, it can lead to blindness. I don’t want to lose my vision over something that could have been prevented. But at the same time, I don’t want to rely on allopathic medicines or artificial supplements. I believe in Ayurveda and natural healing, so I want to know if there are any Ayurvedic remedies for corneal xerosis. Can herbs or certain foods help reverse corneal xerosis naturally?

I also heard that applying ghee to the eyes can help with dryness. Some people say it’s a great remedy for corneal xerosis, but others say it can make things worse if not done properly. Has anyone tried using ghee for corneal xerosis? Does it really help, or is it just a myth?

I would really appreciate any advice on Ayurvedic treatments for corneal xerosis. What foods should I start eating to improve my vitamin A levels? Are there any herbal treatments or eye drops in Ayurveda that can help with corneal xerosis? If anyone has had corneal xerosis and treated it naturally, please share what worked for you. I want to do everything I can before this gets worse.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Namaste. Your concerns about corneal xerosis and extreme eye dryness are valid, and I can sense the distress you are feeling. In Ayurveda, the eyes are governed by the Alochaka Pitta, a subdosha of Pitta responsible for vision and eye health. Excessive screen time, poor diet, and lack of rest aggravate Pitta and Vata dosha, leading to dryness, burning, and light sensitivity. The presence of white spots and persistent gritty sensation suggest a depletion of Rasa Dhatu (fluid tissues), which needs deep nourishment. The good news is that with proper diet, herbal support, and Ayurvedic eye care, you can reverse these symptoms and protect your vision naturally.

Yes, your junk food diet may have contributed to vitamin A deficiency, affecting your cornea. To restore eye health, start including vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, pumpkin, ghee, cow’s milk, leafy greens, and soaked almonds in your daily meals. Amla (Indian Gooseberry), rich in antioxidants, is excellent for improving vision. You can take Triphala churna (half a teaspoon with warm water at night) to detoxify the system and nourish the eyes. Instead of instant noodles, switch to home-cooked meals with desi ghee, as it strengthens eye tissues.

For immediate relief, Ayurveda recommends Netra Tarpana, where medicated ghee is retained over the eyes, providing deep lubrication. You can also apply pure cow ghee to the eyelids before sleep, but avoid putting it directly in the eyes without proper guidance. Try Nasya therapy (2 drops of Anu Taila in each nostril daily) to improve eye moisture naturally. Instead of artificial eye drops, use Ayurvedic rose water or Triphala eyewash (Triphala powder boiled in water, then cooled and strained) to cleanse and refresh the eyes.

Since you have light sensitivity, avoid direct exposure to bright screens and sunlight. Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax your eyes. Gentle eye yoga and Palming (rubbing hands together and placing them over closed eyes) will also help. Be mindful of hydration—drink warm herbal teas with fennel, cumin, and coriander to balance Pitta. With patience and a consistent Ayurvedic routine, you can restore natural eye moisture and prevent further complications. Take care of your Drishti (vision), as it is a divine gift!

Corneal xerosis - #18104

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