KRIYAKALPA – A GLIMPSE OF NETRAROGAS

Abstract

Kriyakalpas, the specialized ocular treatment modalities, affirms the absolute necessity of unique approach towards netrarogas, thus highlighting the gravitas of eye and eye diseases .Many procedures and formulations have been described to cure the ophthalmic disorders. Present conventional system of medicine has topical and systemic administration of drugs to the eye which are highly inefficient and there is a need for controlled, sustained release, particularly for conditions that affect all parts of the eye. Sushruta, the father of ancient Indian surgery, advocated ‘Kriyakalpa’ is the main therapeutic procedure for Netra Rogas, along with other forms of treatment. He has described this in a separate chapter in Uttartantra of Sushruta Samhita .These procedures improve the vision by strengthening of the cilliary muscles, maintaining unctuousness of the eye ball, proper accommodation of the lens, delays the senile opacity of the lens etc. On the other hand these procedures also helpful in dealing with inflammatory conditions like conjunctivitis, hordeolum, corneal ulcer, staphyloma, panophthalmitis etc. Thus Kriyakalpa can be done in healthy as well as diseased eye conditions to improve the ophthalmic health. The probable mode of action and possible drug route of Kriyakalpas are yet to be explored