Dry eye syndrome

Burning, gritty eyes and blurred vision often signal dry eye syndrome. Ayurveda calls it śuṣka netra, caused by vāta aggravation and rasa dhātu depletion. When the body's moisture channels dry up due to stress, dehydration, or age, the eyes lose their natural lubrication and feel strained and irritated.

Common Causes of Dry eye syndrome

Excess screen time without blinking or breaks
Age-related rasa and tejas decline
Dehydration or skipping water-rich foods
Excessive exposure to wind, sun, or dry air
High vāta from stress, poor sleep, or travel

Symptoms of Dry eye syndrome

Burning or gritty feeling in the eyes
Redness or sensitivity to light
Blurry vision that improves with blinking
Watery eyes from reflex tearing
Eye fatigue after reading or screen use

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Dry eye syndrome

Replenishing eye moisture with netra tarpaṇa (ghee eye bath)
Cooling and nourishing herbs like yaṣṭimadhu and āmalakī
Using medicated eye drops and triphala wash daily
Balancing vāta with oil massage and calming routines
Strengthening rasa dhātu with moist, nourishing diet and hydration