Netra Care: Ayurvedic Eye Care and Simple Practices, Safely

Netra care means care of the eyes, from netra, the eye. The classical Ayurvedic texts treat the eyes as precious and give them a place in the daily routine, with advice on washing, protecting and resting them, and with a set of specialist eye treatments given by physicians. This page describes what the tradition teaches, offers a few simple, safe habits that fit modern eye care, and explains clearly what not to do.

Eyes are far more vulnerable than skin. Putting a herb, an oil, ghee, rose water, a homemade drop or a cosmetic preparation into the eye can cause infection, injury and permanent loss of sight. We therefore give no instructions for putting anything into the eyes. If you are curious about the tradition, the right step is to read about it here and speak to an eye doctor first.

What the texts say

The Ashtanga Hridayam includes eye care in its morning routine. It describes applying collyrium, anjana, a preparation applied to the inside of the lower eyelid, and washing the face and eyes, with advice that the eyes should be protected from heat, dust, smoke, glare and strain. The Sushruta Samhita, the text of surgery, gives eye disease a great deal of space and describes a range of eye conditions and procedures, which a modern reader should regard as historical.

Several classical eye treatments are known by name.

• Anjana is the application of a medicated paste or powder at the lid margin. In practice it overlaps with the kohl, kajal or surma used in many homes.
• Tarpana is a procedure in which a ring of dough is placed around the eye and filled with medicated ghee, which the person keeps their eye open in for a short time.
• Seka and aschyotana are the pouring and the dropping of medicated liquids onto or into the eyes.
• Putapaka and other procedures use the juice or paste of herbs in various ways.

These are clinical procedures for physicians in the classical system, not daily habits, and they are not safe to try at home.

Simple habits that fit modern advice

Some everyday suggestions in the tradition match what eye doctors advise, and none requires putting anything in the eye.

• Rest the eyes. Take regular breaks from screens and close work. A commonly used modern guide, the 20-20-20 rule, suggests looking at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
• Blink fully and often. Screens reduce blinking, which dries the eyes. Do it deliberately now and then.
• Palming. Rub the palms together to warm them, then rest them lightly over closed eyes, without pressing, for a minute. Many teachers of yoga and Ayurveda suggest it as a way of resting the eyes.
• Cool, clean water. Rinse the face with clean water in the morning, and wash your hands before touching your eyes.
• Protect the eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV protection in bright light and eye protection for dust, chemicals and work with tools.
• Light. Use good, even lighting for reading, and keep screens at a comfortable distance.
• Sleep and fluids. Enough sleep and enough water support comfortable eyes.
• Eye tests. Regular checks with an optometrist or eye doctor are the real core of eye care, particularly after the age of 40 or with a family history of eye disease.

Kajal, kohl and surma

Eye cosmetics are the part of netra care most likely to cause harm. Kohl, kajal and surma made in some traditional ways, and some imported products, have been found to contain high levels of lead or other metals. Lead can be absorbed and is especially harmful to babies and children. Health authorities in several countries warn against products of this kind, particularly for use on infants. Applying kajal to a newborn’s eyes is a custom in many families, but it is not recommended by paediatric and eye doctors. Talk to your doctor or health visitor, and do not use homemade or unregulated products on children.

What modern research says

There is little reliable research on Ayurvedic eye treatments. Some small studies have looked at herbal eye drops and procedures such as tarpana for dry eye and eye strain, but they are small and of low quality, and are not enough to show that these treatments work. There is no evidence that any herb or oil improves eyesight, reverses vision loss or prevents eye disease. Screen-related eye strain, dry eyes and the need for glasses are common, and an eye test and standard care are the right answer.

Safety notes

• Never put herbs, ghee, honey, rose water, oils or homemade drops into the eyes. Even clean-looking substances can carry bacteria and cause serious infection.
• Eye drops should only be those prescribed or recommended by a doctor or pharmacist, and used as directed.
• Contact lens wearers are at higher risk of infection and should take advice before using anything near the eyes.
• Kajal, kohl and surma: avoid products of unknown composition, and never use them on babies.
• Do not rub the eyes. It can cause injury and, in some conditions, may worsen them.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not use herbal eye preparations without a doctor’s advice.
• Children. Take them to an eye doctor for any concern.
• Diabetes, glaucoma and other eye or systemic conditions. Keep your treatment and regular checks.
• Do not stop or replace prescribed eye treatment with any herbal or traditional method.

When to see an eye doctor straight away

See an eye doctor or go to an emergency department promptly for sudden loss or blurring of vision, eye pain, a red painful eye, flashing lights or floaters appearing suddenly, a curtain across your vision, double vision, a chemical splash or injury, light sensitivity with headache, or discharge from the eye. Some conditions, such as acute glaucoma and retinal detachment, can cause permanent loss of sight within hours or days.

Related reading

The classical morning routine places care of the eyes beside the other senses: see the dinacharya overview and nasya. Rest and sleep, which help the eyes, are covered in evening and sleep, and eye relaxation also appears in yoga and pranayama. The practices hub lists the other guides.

This page describes a tradition and is not medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer, see an eye doctor for any concern about your eyes or vision, and a registered Ayurvedic practitioner for Ayurvedic treatment.

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