How Ayurveda can help improve vision and nourish the eyes

Vision is one of the most important senses for human life. Eyes help us perceive the world, perform daily tasks, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty around us. Good eyesight supports both physical independence and mental well-being, but due to aging, lifestyle issues, pollution, overuse of digital devices, and lack of proper eye care, vision often deteriorates over time.
This can lead to discomfort, dependence on others, and even serious health issues.
And Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers several natural and holistic treatments for improving and maintaining eye health.

Ayurvedic stances on vision improvement

Ayurveda views the eyes as a precious gift and gives great importance to eye care. The treatments in Ayurveda for improving vision are based on balancing the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), improving blood circulation, strengthening the nerves, and using herbal remedies to nourish the eyes.
The treatments aim to improve not just the eyes but the entire system, as Ayurveda believes that health is interconnected.

And in ‘Holistic Health: Law and Facts’ by Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the treatments for vision improvement focus on both internal and external approaches. Internally, herbal formulations and dietary guidelines are used to improve the function of the eyes, and externally, therapies like eye washes, massages, and specific eye exercises are recommended.

One of the key Ayurvedic combinations mentioned in the text is ‘Triphala’, which is a mixture of three herbs, and using it in a mix of different ways.
For example, the book mentions that Triphala, mixed with honey and ghee, should be consumed to improve and increase the power of vision.
The book also recommends using a paste of Triphala, ghee, honey, barley, Shatavari, and Madhuka, for foot massage, and this too gives ophthalmic benefits.
Ayurveda also mentions using a paste of different herbs and elements, and applying it as a Kajal on the eyes for better vision.

One of the mixtures to use is of Tila flowers, Pippali fruits, Jatti flowers, and Marica, and then grinding them with goat’s milk to prepare a wick. This, when applied to the eyes, helps improve vision.

Another Ayurveda therapy used by people is ‘Netra Tarpan’, where medicated ghee is poured over the eyes and retained in a frame made of dough. This therapy is deeply nourishing and is said to improve eyesight, reduce dryness, and strengthen the eye tissues.
It is believed to be especially useful for people who spend long hours on screens or reading.

Healing the foundations
Ayurveda gives a complete, holistic, and natural way to improve vision and enhance eyesight. Unlike certain treatments that rely on surgery or prescriptions, Ayurvedic methods focus on healing the root cause and strengthening the body’s natural ability to see clearly.
With the use of herbs like Triphala, therapies like Netra Tarpana, and lifestyle practices like yoga and diet, Ayurveda gives a safe and effective way to take care of the eyes.
But when using herbs, making wicks, or even getting a Netra Tarpan, make sure the people who administer it are trained and experts in their field.