Department of Shalakya Tantra – Opthalmology
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Integrative Eye Health with Ayurveda
Shalakya Tantra, one of the eight branches of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Ayurveda), focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases occurring above the clavicle, including the eyes, ears, nose, throat, oral cavity, and head. Within this branch, Netra Roga (ophthalmology) has special importance. Acharya Sushruta, regarded as the Father of Ophthalmic Surgery, documented over seventy ocular diseases and described surgical methods such as cataract extraction using the couching technique.
The Department of Shalakya Tantra (Ophthalmology) offers comprehensive Ayurvedic and integrative eye care through medical, para-surgical, and surgical approaches, supported by Panchakarma, Kriya Kalpa therapies, and modern diagnostic tools.
Our Approach
Therapeutic Methods
Kriya Kalpa offers specialized ocular therapies like Tarpana, Putapaka, Anjana, Aschyotana, and Seka, supported by Shastra Karma (surgical care), Bheshaja Chikitsa (medications), and Shodhana Chikitsa (Panchakarma-based detox).
Holistic Significance
The department emphasizes preserving and restoring vision, preventive care for lifestyle- and age-related eye diseases, and integrating local ocular therapies with systemic detox and Rasayana for overall well-being.
Clinical Foundation
Core practices include Netra Kriya Kalpa therapies, ophthalmic surgical procedures for cataract and pterygium, preventive ophthalmology through Rasayana and eye exercises, and integrated diagnostic support with modern ophthalmology.
Scope of Shalya Tantra
Kriya Kalpa therapies help nourish the eyes, reduce strain, improve vision, and support long-term eye health when performed under expert supervision.
Focus on lifestyle- and occupation-related eye strain with therapies that preserve vision and prevent degeneration.
Covers a wide range of ocular disorders including refractive errors, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy.
Specialized Ayurvedic and integrative management of long-term and progressive eye conditions.
Relief and care for irreversible blindness and low-vision cases to improve quality of life.
Bridging Ayurveda with conditions like dry eye syndrome, computer vision syndrome, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, corneal ulcers, and keratitis.
Departmental Role & Contributions
- OPD & IPD services with Ayurvedic and integrative approaches
- Kriya Kalpa therapies for preventive and curative management
- Comprehensive care for chronic conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy
- Collaboration with diagnostic tools including slit lamp, fundoscopy, and tonometry
- UG (BAMS) & PG (MS Shalakya Tantra) curriculum with ophthalmic specialization
- Hands-on training in Kriya Kalpa and minor OT procedures
- Case discussions, clinical postings, eye camps, and community ophthalmology outreach
- Clinical studies on therapies like Tarpana and Putapaka in dry eye, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy
- Standardization of ocular treatments
- Research publications in Ayurvedic and ophthalmic journals
- Faculty participation in national and international eye care conferences
Key Areas of Specialty
This specialty focuses on correcting visual disturbances and eye strain caused by lifestyle and occupational factors.
- Timira (Refractive errors: Myopia, Hypermetropia, Astigmatism): Managed with Tarpana, Netra Anjana, eye exercises, and Rasayana.
- Abhishyanda (Conjunctivitis, Allergic eye disease): Treated with Aschyotana, Seka, and Anjana prepared with Triphala and Haridra.
- Computer Vision Syndrome & Dry Eye: Addressed using Netra Tarpana, Putapaka, and Trataka Yoga.
Care is provided for inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the cornea and outer eye structures.
- Shukla Roga (Corneal opacity, Keratitis): Managed through Seka, Tarpana, and Rasayana support.
- Vataja & Pittaja Netra Roga (Inflammatory eye diseases): Treated with local and systemic Shamana along with Kriya Kalpa therapies.
The department offers integrative solutions for common yet sight-threatening conditions like cataract and glaucoma.
- Lingnasha, Kacha (Cataract): Treated with Netra Tarpana, Rasayana therapy, and surgical interventions with modern support.
- Adhimantha (Glaucoma): Managed with internal medicines such as Triphala and Eranda, supported by Seka, Virechana, and other therapies.
Special emphasis is placed on managing chronic and systemic eye complications that affect the retina.
- Prameha Pidaka & Drishti Nasha (Diabetic & Hypertensive Retinopathy): Treated through Netra Tarpana, Rasayana like Amalaki, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, along with diet and lifestyle corrections.
- Age-related Macular Degeneration: Supported with Rasayana therapy and antioxidant Ayurvedic formulations.
Rapid response care is provided for acute eye pain, injuries, and traumatic conditions.
- Acute eye pain, foreign body, and injury management: Treated through Anjana, Seka, and necessary surgical care.
- Burns & trauma to the eye: Handled with immediate Ayurvedic therapies and modern emergency interventions.
This specialty emphasizes strengthening and protecting vision through restorative therapies and lifestyle practices.
- Netra Tarpana and Putapaka: For rejuvenation and preventive eye health.
- Rasayana therapy: To improve vision, slow degeneration, and maintain ocular strength.
- Trataka & Yoga therapy: Enhances concentration, relieves strain, and promotes eye vitality.
A combined care model is followed, using both classical Ayurvedic therapies and modern ophthalmic tools.
- Use of slit-lamp, tonometry, and fundoscopy for diagnosis alongside Ayurvedic evaluation.
- Combined care for cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Collaborative research in integrative ophthalmology for improved outcomes.