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October 5, 2025

The Role of Ayurveda in Avoidable Blindness

VHV. HamsaveniSri Kalabyraveshwara Swamy Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital and Research Center BSBindushree SBSri Kalabyraveshwara Swamy Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital and Research Center KAKasturi AloniSri Kalabyraveshwara Swamy Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital and Research Center

Key Points

Ayurveda offers holistic strategies that potentially reduce avoidable blindness in patients with chronic eye conditions.
Around 80% of blindness cases, especially in India with significant prevalence, are preventable or treatable through effective interventions.
The role of shalakya tantra in ayurveda emphasizes eye care, advocating for its integration in contemporary ophthalmic practices.
The findings push for a synergy between traditional and modern medical approaches to enhance outcomes in eye health.

Abstract

Blindness, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), and adopted by the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) in India, is a significant public health concern. Conditions such as Vitamin A deficiency in children, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and various ocular injuries are major contributors. Despite the high prevalence, notably with India housing one-third of the world's blind population, up to 80% of blindness is preventable or treatable. Ayurveda, particularly through Shalakya Tantra, emphasizes the importance of eye care and offers a holistic approach to preventing blindness. This article reviews the role of Ayurvedic principles in managing key eye diseases, drawing from classical texts and contemporary medical literature. The study highlights the potential of Ayurvedic practices in preventing avoidable blindness, advocating for their integration into modern ophthalmic care to enhance both preventive and therapeutic outcomes.

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