Evaluation of action of Netra Anjana in maintaining Netra Swasthya

Abstract

Eyes hold special status among all the sense organs because vision is crucial for social and intellectual development of the human beings. Hence Acharyas have mentioned several preventive and curative measures for the management of ophthalmic disorders. Kriyakalpa is the basis of the treatment of ophthalmic disorders, as Panchakarma is the basis of Kayachikitsa. When we refer our classics for the therapeutic measures adopted in the management of eye diseases, we find that the management includes many of the topical treatments along with systemic ones. Netra Kriyakalpas have very fast action on the target tissues of the eye. Kriyakalpa includes various procedures like Tarpana, Putapaka, Seka, Ashchyotana, Anjana etc. for the treatment of eye diseases, as local measures. The process in which herbomineral preparation (Gutika, Rasakriya & Churna) mixed with water and applied on the lower eyelid margin with the help of Shalaka is called Anjana Karma. Its active principles may be transferred to the interior of the eye depending on their hydrophilic and lipophylic nature through the conjunctiva and cornea by paracellular and transcellular pathways respectively. Anjana therapy is highly beneficial in the anterior segment and also in the posterior segment disorders of the eye.  An Ayurvedic review & probable mode of action of Anjana Karma discussed in present article.