Dry eyes, also termed ‘dry eye syndrome’, are one of the most common eye conditions today. It happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or when the tears they do make aren’t good enough and evaporate too fast. This condition is also referred to as “Sookhi Aankhein” in Hindi. Dry eyes can span from mild occasional irritation to a severe, chronic condition impacting everyday comfort and vision. In this article, we will discuss the causes of dry eyes, its signs and symptoms, who is at risk and how Ayurvedic treatment for dry eyes, along with some Ayurvedic home remedies for dry eyes, can help to manage the condition.
Your eyes are covered by a thin tear film of 3 layers: an oily layer, a watery layer and a mucus layer that all help keep the eyes lubricated and protected. In a healthy eye a continuous stream of tears is produced by the tear glands and spread evenly over the eye with every blink. Dry eye is when the tear glands don’t make enough tears, or the tear film is unstable and evaporates too quickly, leaving the surface of the eye dry, irritated and inflamed.
The condition often develops gradually, and early symptoms may be overlooked. It may be mistaken for simple eyestrain or tiredness. It can be controlled, but it requires early diagnosis and continued treatment.
Types and Causes of Dry
Eyes Evaporative Dry Eye: The eye produces enough tears, but they evaporate too quickly due to the unstable oily layer. This is similar to water in a container with no lid. This is the most common type and is often linked to meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, long screen time and long contact lens wearing.
Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: Insufficient tear production from the tear glands, similar to a tap that is running low on supply. This is common in older adults and postmenopausal women and is associated with age-related decline after 50, autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants.
Secondary Dry Eyes: Caused by another underlying factor such as dry or windy surroundings, long-term contact lens wear, LASIK surgery or vitamin A deficiency. Long periods of screen time also reduce the natural blink rate, causing the tear film to dry out faster than it can be replenished.
What happens to a person if they have dry eyes?
A smooth, comfortable eye surface depends on a stable tear film, in the same way a windscreen depends on the fluid applied by the wipers to keep it clean. When tear production is diminished or the tear film is unstable, the surface is subjected to friction, dust and air. Small patches of the cornea and conjunctiva become dry and irritated. The longer this goes on, the more inflammation builds up, making the eyes more sensitive to light, wind and screens and, in advanced cases, affecting the clarity of vision.
Who is at risk for developing dry eyes?
People who spend long hours in front of digital screens Women over 50, particularly those past menopause Extended periods of contact lens wear, especially Anyone in dry, dusty, windy or air-conditioned environments. People with autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome Anybody taking long-term medication such as antihistamines People who have had eye surgeries such as LASIK
What are the signs of dry eyes?
Patients often describe a gritty, sandy feeling as if something were stuck under the lid, as well as burning, stinging and redness. Interestingly, dry eyes can also cause excessive watering. The eye senses dryness and overcompensates by producing a sudden flush of watery tears that don’t have the right composition to lubricate it properly.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Dry Eyes
Ayurveda says that dry eyes are caused by an imbalance of Vata dosha, the dosha that governs dryness and movement in the body. When vata is imbalanced, it reduces the natural lubrication (Sneha) of the eyes, making them feel dry and tired.
Ayurvedic treatment for dry eyes aims at balancing it back through nourishment, external therapies and lifestyle correction. Common practices include Netra Tarpana, the retention of medicated ghee around the eyes within a dough dam to nourish and lubricate them, and Anjana, the application of medicated herbal pastes to the inner eyelids.
The texts say that nasya is the administration of herbal oils through the nasal passage and is believed to enhance the health of the eyes. To balance out warm, unctuous foods Lifestyle measures such as oil massage (Abhyanga) and reduced screen time are also recommended for Vata dryness. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and an eye specialist before starting these therapies.
Ayurvedic Ingredients for Dry Eyes
Ayurvedic ingredients for dry eyes traditionally includes :
Triphala – commonly used as an eyewash
Ghee (particularly cow’s ghee) – used in Netra Tarpana for its lubricating qualities
Amla – high in vitamin C; believed to support tear gland functioning
Rose water – known for its cooling, soothing properties
Ghritakumari (Aloe Vera) – thought to have a hydrating effect
Notes: These remedies are soothing for mild dryness. They work best when you have the right diagnosis from an eye specialist. Severe or chronic dry eyes may require clinical treatment where you need to get diagnosed by an Eye expert.
Conclusion
If your eyes often feel dry, irritated, or tired—whether from long screen time, environmental factors, or underlying imbalances—it’s a good idea to consult an Ayurvedic doctor online at our eye care centre. A qualified Ayurvedic eye specialist can understand the root cause of your dryness and suggest a personalised treatment plan that fits your daily routine. Don’t ignore early signs like burning, redness, or a gritty sensation—timely care, proper lubrication, balanced diet, and mindful screen habits can help restore comfort and protect your vision in the long run.
