Monsoon eye care: Essential Ayurvedic care to protect your eyes during the rainy season

The arrival of the monsoon in Kerala brings a refreshing change to the landscape, but the high humidity and damp conditions can cause a noticeable strain on our eyes. In Ayurveda, this period is known as Varsha Ritu, a time when our internal balance, specifically the Vata and Pitta doshas can become unstable. This often leads to common seasonal eye issues like redness, itching, styes, and even dryness  

Traditional Rituals for Eye Protection 

- The use of Triphala: One of the most effective ways to cleanse the eyes is using a Triphala wash. By boiling Triphala powder in water and washing the eyes after cooling it, helps remove environmental pollutants, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the eye muscles. 

- Foot-to-Eye Connection: Ayurveda emphasizes a deep link between the soles of the feet and the ocular nerves. Massaging the feet with a little ghee or medicated oil before bed (Padabhyanga) helps calm Vata and supports overall eye health. 

- Herbal Collyrium (Anjana): Using a traditional collyrium, known as Kajal or Anjana, is a daily practice to keep eyes clean and beautiful. Applying Anjana daily helps drain excess Kapha (secretions) that typically build up in the damp weather. 

- Nasal drops: Using Anu Tailam or similar medicated oils as nasal drops (Nasya) is considered a "gateway" to protect the head and sense organs, helping to keep the eyes lubricated and clear of congestion. 

Diet for Ocular Health 

During the monsoon, the digestive fire, or Agni, tends to be weaker. It is best to choose warm, light, and easily digestible meals. 

- In Kerala, the tradition of Karkkidaka Kanji (a medicinal porridge) is vital. This unique blend of rice and herbs supports immunity and provides essential nutrients that benefit the vision. 

- Pathila Thoran is a traditional monsoon dish made from ten specific leafy greens. These greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, providing a natural antioxidant boost that purifies the blood and specifically supports ocular health. 

- To keep the digestion light and the eyes clear, grains which are stored for some time, such as old rice, wheat, or barley (Yava) can be consumed. Barley is particularly helpful during the rains as it helps remove excess moisture from the body that can otherwise lead to heavy, puffy eyes  

- Adding spices like ginger, cumin, pepper and turmeric to the food helps detoxify the body and improve circulation to the eyes. 

- While raw vegetables are often seen as healthy, they are considered Guru (heavy to digest) in the rainy season. Consuming raw salads during the monsoon can actually lower your immunity and lead to toxic buildup (Ama) that clouds your vision. Stick to well-cooked, warm meals seasoned with small amounts of ghee to aid absorption.  

Try to limit heavy, oily, or excessively salty foods, as these can aggravate inflammation and lead to puffiness around the eyes. 

Lifestyle Habits 

- The 20-20-20 Rule: To combat screen strain, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. 

- Blinking & Palming: Make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep the eyes moist. One can also rub the palms together to generate heat and gently cup them over the closed eyes to relax the optic nerves. 

- Avoid touching the eyes with unwashed hands, as the damp weather encourages the spread of bacterial and viral infections. 

- Focus on Pranayama (breathing exercises), which helps dry up excessive internal moisture and boosts the digestive fire, supporting overall eye health. 

-To prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the humid air, it is traditional to fumigate home and clothing with herbal smoke (Dhupa). This reduces the risk of environmental pollutants triggering infections like conjunctivitis or styes. 

- While the rainy weather feels sluggish, sleeping during the day (Diva Swapna) is strongly discouraged during Varsha Ritu. It can further slow your digestion and causes heaviness in the eyes and head upon waking  

Specialized Care at Sreedhareeyam 

At our hospital, we offer a specialized approach to monsoon eye health through Karkkidaka Chikitsa, a seasonal treatment protocol designed to rejuvenate the senses. We also customize Kriyakalpa treatments, traditional Ayurvedic eye therapies to address specific seasonal concerns like dryness or recurring infections, ensuring the vision remains protected while helping to relieve fatigue and strengthen ocular tissues.


Faq(Monsoon Eye Care)

Q1. Why does Ayurveda suggest avoiding raw salads during the rainy season?  

During the monsoon, the Agni (digestive fire) is at its weakest. Raw vegetables are considered heavy to digest and can lead to Ama (toxins) in the body, which eventually also affects the clarity of vision. Instead, Ayurveda recommends well-cooked, warm meals to support general health and eye health 

Q2. What is Pathila Thoran, and why is it considered a super food for the eyes?  

Pathila Thoran is a traditional stir-fry made from ten specific seasonal leafy greens that are foraged during the Kerala monsoon. These greens which include varieties like spinach, colocasia, and punarnava which are exceptionally rich in Vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients provide a natural antioxidant boost that purifies the blood and specifically supports the eye health  

Q3. Why does sleeping during the day in the rainy season make my eyes feel so heavy and puffy? 

Ayurveda strongly discourages Diva Swapna (day sleeping) during the monsoon season. Because the digestive fire is already weak during the rains, sleeping during the day further slows your metabolism and leads to the accumulation of Kapha. This build-up often results in a distinct feeling of heaviness, puffiness, and dullness in the eyes and head when you wake up 

Q4: What are the signs of a seasonal eye imbalance during the monsoon? 

Seasonal humidity and poor dietary choices during the monsoon can easily disrupt the eyes natural balance. This typically manifests as an inflammatory reaction, causing a burning sensation, persistent redness, and irritation. When environmental dampness or heavy foods further complicate the imbalance, it can also lead to congestive symptoms like thick, sticky secretions, a feeling of heaviness, and temporary blurred vision.