Myopia and Timira: A Cross-sectional Review of Modern and Ayurvedic Perspectives
Keywords:
Nidana Panchaka Patala Refractive error Prathamapatalagata TimiraAbstract
Myopia is the most common refractive error and a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, particularly affecting children and adolescents. With projections indicating that nearly half of the global population will be myopic by 2050, uncorrected refractive errors pose a significant public health concern. Modern ophthalmology primarily addresses myopia through optical correction and surgical interventions, focusing on symptom relief without altering disease progression. In contrast, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, describes a condition called Timira under Netra Roga, which shares remarkable similarities with myopia in terms of symptoms, etiology, and progression. This study offers a comparative analysis of Myopia and Timira based on classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary medical literature. It explores the correlation between the two conditions in aspects such as pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities. Ayurvedic concepts of Dosha imbalance, especially involving Vata and Pitta, align with modern risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, excessive near work, and nutritional deficiencies. Management in Ayurveda focuses on systemic detoxification, ocular rejuvenation, and lifestyle modifications, offering a more holistic approach. The integration of Ayurvedic and modern perspectives can lead to a more comprehensive, preventive, and sustainable model for managing myopia, especially in the younger population. This interdisciplinary approach holds promise in addressing both the symptoms and root causes of refractive errors effectively.
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References
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