A Review of Ayurvedic Literature in Surgical Treatment of Cataract (Kaphaja Linganasha)

The crystalline lens is a transparent structure. Its transparency maybe disturbed due to degenerative process leading to opacification of lens fibers. Development of an opacity in the lens is known as cataract. In Ayurvedic literature, the conditions Kacha and Linganasha represent progressive stages of vision deterioration, with Kacha refers to initial blurring and Linganasha denoting complete vision loss. Kaphaja Linganasha (fully matured cataract) is considered amenable to surgical management, termed Shastra Sadhya, whereas other forms are often viewed as difficult to treat surgically. When cataract has advanced to the final stage (Asthi Dhatu), vision loss becomes irreversible. There are varying perspectives regarding the surgical technique employed by ancient practitioners. While many classical texts describe couching as a standard procedure, for that further critical analysis is needed. This paper aims to consolidate and review the Ayurvedic references related to surgical intervention for Kaphaja Linganasha.