AYURVEDIC MEDICATED EYE DROPS (BILVADI ASCHYOTANA) – A REVIEW

Abstract

Among the four methods (eye drops, eye ointment, gel, ocuserts) of delivering ocular pharmacotherapeutics, Eye Drops is the most commonly employed mode of administration. Eye Drops is the simplest and most convenient method of topical application, especially for day time use. Eye drops may be in the form of aqueous solutions (drugs totally dissolved) or aqueous suspensions (drug is present as small particles kept suspended in the aqueous medium) or oily solutions. Application in the form of eye drops makes the drug available for immediate action but it is quickly diluted by tear within about a minute. Shalakya Tantra is one among the branches of Ayurveda which deals with ailments above the neck. Aschyotana is one of the unique and local therapeutic procedure for the eye disorders for which ancient Ayurveda Acharyas have described in detail the advantages and procedure. The present lifestyle and occupational hazards helps us in realizing the role of ancient Ayurvedic therapies and most importantly in protection and preservation of the vision through continuous research.