bulbar conjunctiva

Question

Doctor, I recently had an eye irritation that lasted for several days, and when I went to the doctor, he mentioned something about the bulbar conjunctiva being inflamed. I didn’t understand what he meant at the time, but when I looked it up later, I found that the bulbar conjunctiva is the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of the eye. I was surprised to learn that this layer plays an important role in keeping the eyes healthy and moist.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing redness, dryness, and a gritty feeling in my eyes, especially in the mornings. The doctor said it could be due to allergies or excessive screen time, but I also feel like it could be due to poor diet or some internal imbalance. I read that in Ayurveda, eye problems are often linked to excess Pitta dosha—does that apply to inflammation of the bulbar conjunctiva as well?

Another thing I’m concerned about is whether my lifestyle habits are making it worse. I work on a computer for long hours, and I don’t blink as often as I should. Could that be damaging my bulbar conjunctiva? Also, does Ayurveda recommend any specific eye drops or herbal remedies to soothe irritation naturally?

I’ve read about Triphala eyewash and castor oil therapy for eye health—would these be helpful in my case? Also, are there specific foods or cooling herbs that Ayurveda recommends to keep the bulbar conjunctiva healthy? I really want to avoid strong medications if possible, so I’d appreciate natural ways to heal this.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

The bulbar conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and helps keep it lubricated and protected. Inflammation of this layer, known as conjunctivitis, can be caused by allergies, dry eyes, excessive screen time, or environmental irritants. From an Ayurvedic perspective, eye disorders—especially those involving redness, burning, and irritation—are often linked to an aggravated Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and inflammation. If the dryness is more prominent, Vata imbalance could also be a contributing factor.

Since you spend long hours on the computer, reduced blinking and prolonged screen exposure may be contributing to eye strain and dryness, which can exacerbate inflammation of the bulbar conjunctiva. Ayurveda offers gentle yet effective natural remedies to soothe eye irritation. Triphala eyewash (Triphala water rinse) is highly recommended to cleanse and rejuvenate the eyes. Rose water (Gulab Jal) or castor oil (applied in the lower eyelid before sleeping) can also help keep the eyes lubricated and reduce irritation. If the inflammation is persistent, Ayurvedic eye drops containing honey and rose extracts can be soothing. Blinking exercises, palming (rubbing hands and placing them over the eyes), and taking regular screen breaks can prevent further strain.

Diet plays a key role in maintaining eye health and reducing inflammation. Ayurveda recommends consuming cooling and hydrating foods, such as cucumber, amla (Indian gooseberry), ghee, and soaked almonds to nourish the eyes. Herbs like Triphala, Brahmi, and Saptamrita Lauh help improve vision and reduce Pitta-related eye issues. Reducing spicy, fried, and excessively salty foods can also help in controlling eye inflammation. Staying well-hydrated and practicing Netra Tarpana (an Ayurvedic eye therapy with medicated ghee) under expert guidance can further strengthen and rejuvenate the eyes naturally.

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