REFINING THE ART OF VISION: YOGARATNAKARA'S INSIGHTS INTO NETRA ROGA CHIKITSA

The current article presents a comprehensive consolidated knowledge regarding the management of different netra roga and also in maintaining the Netra swastya as elaborated in Ayurvedic classic - Yogaratnakara. The text Yogaratnakara is known for its practical, clinically oriented approach, compiles extensive yogas and yogya chikitsa for diverse netra rogas. This makes it a significant reference for a Shalaki in the perspective as a Drushti visharada. This article brings together the valuable descriptions from Yogaratnakara, highlighting its pratyeka yogas, different karmas and upakarmas, diseased based chikitsa. A wide range of classical preparations such as kwatha (decoctions), churna (powders), ghrita (ghee), taila (oil) and anjana yogas (collyrium)—are systematically presented along with their method of preparations, indications, contraindications across diverse netra rogas. The important procedures including seka (irrigation), ashchyotana (eye drops), tarpana (nourishing eye therapy using ghee), putapaka (a procedure like tarpana done with extracted juice), jalouka (leech therapy), lekhana (scrapping) and bhedana (incision) are explained with its expected clinical outcome. Even the Atyayika chikitsa (emergency management) like siravyadha (venesection), upanaha (warm poultice) and specialized practices including pindika (application of paste on the entire eyes using a cloth), bidalaka (application of paste on eye excluding eye lashes) are explained with its practical relevance. Internal medications such as Triphala kaṣhaya, Saptamrita loha, Madhukadi loha, Shuddha guggulu, Patoladi ghrita, Vasakadi kwatha are described with their systemic and local benefits. Pathyas (wholesome), lifestyle guidelines and behavioural considerations affecting ocular health—such as nidra (sleep), atapa sevana (exposure to sunlight), ratri-jagarana (awakening at night) and dietary choices—are summarized to present the integrative nature of Ayurvedic ophthalmology. Overall, this article establishes Yogaratnakara as a crucial, clinically rich source for understanding and treating netra rogas, offering a unified reference for contemporary Ayurvedic practice.