Review Article: Shushkaakshipaaka [Dry Eye Syndrome]

Eyes are the windows to the soul. Ayurvedic classical texts and writings have mentioned and discussed about eye and its related disorders, demonstrating the significance of the eye and the ways to protect it. Hence the importance of eye care has always a high priority. Patients with Shushkaakshipaaka experience varying severity of symptoms. Shushkaakshipaaka is co-related with Dry eye syndrome regarding the similarities in the presentation of signs and symptoms. Most patients complain of eye irritation, blurring of vision that fluctuates across the day and even photophobia. DES significantly reduces the quality of life among those affected. The treatment modalities that are mentioned in classics are of cooling and rejuvenating therapies for Vataja-Pittaja disorders can be intervened to treat DES, which increase the stability of tear film and give relief from the symptoms of DES. The treatment principle for Shushkaakshipaaka mentioned in Ayurveda classics are Tarpana, Seka, Aschotana, Anjana etc., which are known to increase the stability of tear film and give relief from the symptoms of Shushkaakshipaaka. Current article focuses to gather all of types, diagnosis, etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of Shushkaakshipaaka.