Article: TIMIRA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SENILE CATARACT: A REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.15386

Pages: 139-143

Author: Pratima Paudel *, Praveen Kumar B, Shamsa Fiaz

Abstract: Senile cataract, the age-related opacification of the normally transparent crystalline lens, is the most common cause of blindness in an elderly population. Timira is a disease affecting dristi, explained in Ayurveda classics as a progressive condition that results in the colouration of dristi and loss of vision in later stages. Very little is said in Ayurveda about the pathophysiology of Timira. The only proven treatment for cataracts is surgery. Though much research has been and is being done to find an alternative to surgery in the conventional system of medicine, no satisfactory option has been found to date. To plan an effective treatment, knowing about the condition and its pathophysiology is necessary. This paper reviews classical Ayurveda texts and their commentaries to understand senile cataracts and Timira better. Progressive stages of cataracts are correlated to different stages of Timira-Kacha-Linganasha based on their signs and the resultant colour of the lens. In addition, by applying the concept of guna and the specific functions of dosha on the pathophysiology of different types of cataracts, an attempt is made to better understand the stages of cataracts and help plan the management.

Keyword: Kacha, Linganasha, Lens, Dosha