The Role of Ayurveda in Avoidable Blindness

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.