Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is caused due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin white layer on the outer side of our eyeball which envelopes the inner layers of the eye and protects them. It is a common eye problem faced by thousands of people every year. In Ayurveda, conjunctivitis is known as netrabhishyanda.

Conjunctivitis may occur due to a viral or bacterial infection. It may be also caused by allergic reactions triggered by substances like pollens, cosmetics or certain chemicals. Additionally, it may occur due to an autoimmune disorder.

According to Ayurveda, conjunctivitis (netrabhishyanda) is generally caused by impairment of pitta and kapha doshas. Netra means eye while abhishyanda means wetland. The eye is an abode of the fire element (pitta), but if kapha dosha (water element) gets aggravated in the eye, it starts attacking the fire element from the eye and turns it into a wetland. Naturally, this affects the health of the eye causing redness, watery secretions, yellow discharge and swelling. This is called netrabhishyanda.

Ayurvedic treatment consists of internal cleansing herbs to alleviate the aggravated body energies as well as the application of herbal pastes to the affected area.

Conjunctivitis is commonly seen in India during the months of monsoon when there is lot of wetness or water in the atmosphere – an ideal environment for infections to flourish. You should take the following precautions for the prevention and relief of this problem.

• Eyes should be washed with clean water and wiped by clean towel to protect them from infections. Use of dirty cloth pieces, handkerchiefs or towels for cleaning eyes should be avoided.
• Wear dark glasses to protect eye irritations since the eye is very sensitive to light in conjunctivitis. Glasses also protect the entry of dust particles into the eye.
• Including immunity boosting foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and salads.
• Take easily digestible and light foods.