This year, the summer heatwave has arrived much earlier than expected, with temperatures already soaring above normal in several regions across India. Heatwaves are a common occurrence during the Indian summer, particularly from late April to June, severely affecting the northern, central, and western parts of the country. While most people take precautions to protect their skin and overall health, few realize the silent threat the heat poses to their eyes.
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to several eye-related issues, ranging from dryness and irritation to serious infections. Leading Ayurvedic experts warn that neglecting eye care during these intense months can have lasting consequences on vision health. Fortunately, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers several time-tested remedies to keep the eyes cool, hydrated, and protected from the harsh effects of summer.
Here’s everything you need to know about the risks — and 7 Ayurvedic remedies to safeguard your vision this season
How Heatwaves Affect Your Eyes
Exposure to high temperatures, combined with dry winds and harmful UV radiation, can cause various problems for your eyes, including:
- Dry Eyes: The intense heat can evaporate the natural moisture in your eyes, causing irritation, redness, and a gritty feeling.
- Conjunctivitis: Dust and pollution in the dry air can lead to eye infections like conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.
- Allergic Reactions: Increased allergens during summer can trigger eye allergies, causing itchiness and watery eyes.
- Photokeratitis: This is a sunburn of the eye’s surface caused by excessive UV exposure, leading to pain and temporary vision loss.
- Blurry Vision: Dehydration from excessive heat can sometimes affect the quality of your vision temporarily.
Dr. Nidhi Verma, an Ayurveda consultant, notes, “The eyes are governed by the Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and fire. During summer, Pitta aggravation can manifest as various eye problems. Balancing this dosha is key to protecting eye health.”
7 Top Ayurvedic Remedies to Protect Your Eyes This Summer
Fortunately, Ayurveda offers simple, natural solutions to counteract heatwave effects on your eyes. Here are seven trusted remedies:
1. Rose Water Eye Drops
Rose water is revered in Ayurveda for its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. Organic, pure rose water can be used as a natural eye drop to soothe burning and tired eyes.
How to Use:
Place 2-3 drops of pure rose water into each eye daily. Alternatively, soak cotton pads in chilled rose water and place them over closed eyes for 10–15 minutes.
2. Aloe Vera Gel Eye Packs
Aloe vera’s cooling effect can calm heat-induced inflammation around the eyes. It also hydrates and nourishes the delicate skin surrounding the eyes.
How to Use:
Mix a small amount of fresh aloe vera gel with cold water. Dip cotton pads into the mixture and place them on your eyelids. Leave on for 15 minutes.
3. Triphala Eye Wash
Triphala, a combination of three powerful fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), is known for its rejuvenating effects on the eyes.
How to Use:
Boil one teaspoon of Triphala powder in a cup of water. Let it cool and strain thoroughly. Use this filtered water to gently wash your eyes in the morning and evening.
Note: Always consult a practitioner before trying herbal treatments, especially for sensitive areas like the eyes.
4. Cucumber Eye Therapy
Cucumber is one of the most popular natural remedies for cooling and hydrating tired eyes. It is rich in antioxidants and helps relieve puffiness and redness.
How to Use:
Slice a cucumber and refrigerate the slices. Place cold slices over your closed eyes for 10–15 minutes twice daily.
5. Cold Milk Eye Compress
Cold milk works as a natural soother for irritated eyes and can help restore moisture balance.
How to Use:
Soak cotton balls in chilled raw milk and place them over your eyes for 10 minutes. Repeat once daily for best results.
6. Anu Tailam Nasal Drops
According to Ayurveda, applying medicated oils like Anu Tailam into the nostrils can indirectly benefit eye health by balancing doshas and reducing internal heat.
How to Use:
Put 2 drops of Anu Tailam into each nostril in the morning, preferably under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
7. Maintaining a Pitta-Pacifying Diet
What you eat significantly impacts your body's internal heat. Consuming Pitta-balancing foods can protect the eyes from within.
Best Foods:
- Coconut water
- Fresh cucumbers
- Sweet fruits like melons, mangoes, and grapes
- Leafy greens
- Buttermilk
Foods to Avoid:
- Spicy foods
- Fried foods
- Excessively salty snacks
Additional Eye Care Tips for Summer
Apart from Ayurvedic remedies, here are a few practical steps to ensure complete protection:
- Wear Sunglasses: Invest in UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes outdoors.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily to prevent dryness.
- Limit Sun Exposure: Try to avoid going outside during peak sun hours (11 am to 4 pm).
- Use Lubricating Eye Drops: If prescribed by your doctor, use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.
- Maintain Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to avoid transferring germs to your eyes.
The summer heatwave can silently but significantly impact your eye health. Ignoring early signs like dryness, irritation, and redness can lead to more severe issues down the line. Thankfully, ancient Ayurvedic wisdom offers gentle yet effective remedies that work with the body’s natural rhythms to protect and heal.
By incorporating simple habits like using rose water eye drops, applying aloe vera packs, and adjusting your diet, you can keep your eyes cool, clear, and healthy all summer long.