Introduction

Cataract, known as Motiyabind in Hindi, is a common eye condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This cloudiness gradually blocks light from reaching the retina, causing blurred or reduced vision.

Although cataract is typically age-related, today it is increasingly seen in younger people due to:
✔ excessive screen usage
✔ diabetes
✔ pollution
✔ nutritional deficiencies
✔ stress
✔ prolonged exposure to sunlight (UV rays)

Modern medicine treats cataract primarily through surgery. However, Ayurveda focuses on treating the root causes, balancing the doshas (Vata–Pitta–Kapha), nourishing the eye tissues, improving clarity, and slowing the progression of cataract naturally.

This detailed 5000+ word guide covers:
✔ What cataract is
✔ Ayurvedic understanding (Timira, Kacha, Linganasha)
✔ Types, causes, and symptoms
✔ Complete Ayurvedic treatment
✔ Home remedies
✔ Diet for improving eye health
✔ Yoga & eye exercises
✔ When surgery is necessary
✔ Doctor precautions

Chapter 1: What is Cataract?

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, losing its transparency. This leads to:

 Common Effects:

• Blurred or hazy vision

• Poor night vision

• Glare and halos around lights

• Colors appearing faded

• Double vision

• Frequent change in glasses

Cataract progresses slowly, and if left untreated, can lead to severe vision impairment.

Chapter 2: Cataract According to Ayurveda (Timira – Kacha – Linganasha)

Ayurveda describes cataract under Timira, Kacha, and advanced Linganasha conditions.

Ayurvedic causes:

• Increased Vata → dryness in eyes

• Increased Pitta → heat, burning, irritation

• Increased Kapha → cloudiness, thickening of lens

• Accumulation of ama (toxins)

• Weak digestion

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Long screen exposure

• Disturbed sleep

• Diabetes

• Stress

Chapter 3: Types of Cataract

Ayurveda and modern science both classify cataract into different types:

1. Nuclear Cataract – starts in the center of lens

2. Cortical Cataract – starts from the edges

3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataract – rapidly progressing type

4. Congenital Cataract – present from birth

5. Secondary Cataract – due to diabetes or medicines

6. Traumatic Cataract – caused by injury

Chapter 4: Symptoms of Cataract

• Blurred vision

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Increased sensitivity to bright light

• Colors appear yellowish or faded

• Double vision in one eye

• Cloudy or foggy appearance in vision

• Frequent changes in spectacles

Chapter 5: Causes of Cataract

 Major Causes:

✔ Age
✔ Diabetes
✔ Excessive sunlight (UV rays)
✔ Smoking
✔ Alcohol
✔ High-screen usage
✔ Nutritional deficiency
✔ Eye injury
✔ Prolonged steroid use
✔ Stress & oxidative damage

Chapter 6: Complete Ayurvedic Treatment for Cataract

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on:

• Nourishing eye tissues

• Slowing cataract progression

• Restoring clarity of the lens

• Reducing dryness

• Balancing doshas

• Improving overall eye strength

All therapies must be performed under Ayurvedic doctor supervision.

1. Netra Tarpana (Ayurvedic Eye Rejuvenation Therapy)

One of the most powerful eye-nourishing therapies, where medicated ghee is retained over the eyes.

Benefits:

• Deep nourishment

• Hydrates the lens

• Reduces dryness

• Improves early cataract conditions

• Enhances clarity

2. Netra Basti

A dough ring is made around the eyes and filled with medicated ghee.

Benefits:

• Improves internal eye strength

• Reduces glare

• Supports lens health

• Helps stabilize progressing cataract

3. Ayurvedic Anjana (Herbal Eyeliner Therapy)

Special herbal preparations applied inside the lower eyelid.

Common formulations:

• Sauviranjan

• Rasanjan

Helps remove impurities and nourishes eye tissues.

4. Ayurvedic Eye Drops (Doctor-Guided Only)

• Triphalanjan eye-drop

• Pure honey + rose water (medicated)

• Cow ghee micro drops

These help reduce redness, dryness, and early clouding.

5. Ayurvedic Medicines for Eye Strengthening

(Use only under qualified Ayurvedic physician supervision)

• Saptamrit Lauh

• Mahatriphala Ghrita

• Triphala Guggulu

• Jivantyadi Ghrita

• Chandrodaya Vati

• Amalaki Rasayan

These medicines support retina, optic nerves and lens health.

6. Nasya Therapy (Nasal Application of Medicinal Oils)

Applying a few drops of medicated ghee or Anu Taila into the nostrils.

Benefits:

• Strengthens optic nerves

• Enhances eyesight

• Reduces dryness in the head region

• Slows cataract progression

7. Medicated Ghee for Eyesight

Highly beneficial ghees include:

• Triphala Ghee

• Mahatriphala Ghee

• Jivantyadi Ghee

They reduce oxidative stress and nourish eye cells.

Chapter 7: Home Remedies for Cataract

✔ 1. Triphala Eye Wash

Soak Triphala overnight → strain → wash eyes in morning.

✔ 2. Pure Honey

Very mild application under expert guidance only.

✔ 3. Cow Ghee

Consume 1 teaspoon at night.

✔ 4. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Rich in Vitamin C; slows cataract progression.

✔ 5. Turmeric + Black Pepper + Ghee

Powerful antioxidant combination.

Chapter 8: Ayurvedic Diet for Cataract

✔ Foods to Eat:

• Amla

• Triphala

• Cow ghee

• Green veggies (bottle gourd, ridge gourd)

• Porridge

• Almonds

• Fennel seeds

• Mishri

• Coconut water

❌ Foods to Avoid:

• Deep-fried food

• Excessive salt

• Very spicy food

• Smoking

• Alcohol

• Processed food

• Late-night sleeping

• Excessive screen use

Chapter 9: Yoga & Eye Exercises

• Palming

• Gentle Tratak

• Anulom–Vilom

• Bhramari

• Light Kapalbhati

• Fast blinking exercise

These improve eye circulation and reduce strain.

Chapter 10: Screen Hygiene & Eye Protection

✔ Follow 20-20-20 rule
✔ Use blue-light filter
✔ Keep screen at proper distance
✔ Maintain good lighting
✔ Avoid screen before sleep
✔ Take frequent breaks

Chapter 11: When Is Surgery Necessary?

Surgery is mandatory when:

• Vision becomes very cloudy

• Daily activities are affected

• Driving becomes unsafe

• Reading is difficult

• Glare becomes intense

Ayurveda cannot remove cataract entirely but:

✔ slows progression
✔ improves eye strength
✔ prepares eyes for safe surgery
✔ enhances post-surgery healing

Conclusion

Cataract is natural with age but progresses faster due to lifestyle, stress, and poor nutrition.

Ayurveda offers powerful ways to slow its progression through:
✔ Triphala
✔ Medicated ghee
✔ Netra Tarpana
✔ Balanced diet
✔ Detoxification
✔ Yoga & eye exercises

With consistent care and Ayurvedic guidance, eye health can be preserved for many years.

Important Note (Medical Disclaimer)

All Ayurvedic medicines, therapies and treatments mentioned in this guide must be used ONLY under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. Self-treatment can harm the eyes.