Deciphering Timira: A Critical appraisal of Visual Pathologies in Ayurveda

Authors

  • Akanksha Thakur thakur PhD Scholar, Department of Shalakya Tantra, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India. 2 Author
  • Prem kumar goud PhD Scholar, Department of Shalakya Tantra, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India. 2 Author
  • Manjusha rajagopala Professor and Head, Department of Shalakya Tantra, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2025.80511

Keywords:

Ayurveda,, Cataract,, Dosha,, Drishtigata Rogas,, Refractive Errors,, Timira,, Visual Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Visual disturbances are prevalent in ophthalmic practice, significantly impacting daily life. Ayurveda  classifies such disorders under Drishtigata Rogas, with Timira being a primary condition characterized by progressive  vision loss due to Dosha accumulation in the eye’s Patalas (layers). 

Methods: This review analyzes classical Ayurvedic texts – Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, and Ashtanga  Hridaya—to elucidate Timiras etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features. The Nidana Panchaka framework  (causative factors, prodromal symptoms, clinical features, therapeutic assessment, and pathogenesis) guides the  understanding of Timiras progression and management. 

Results: Timira progresses as vitiated Doshas ascend through Rupavaha Siras into the ocular Patalas, causing  sequential visual deterioration across four stages – from blurred vision (early refractive errors) to complete blindness  (optic nerve damage). Dosha-specific features include Vataja: motion-like haziness, Pittaja: Light flashes and  halos, Kaphaja: dull, cloudy vision, and Raktaja: multicolored darkness. These manifestations align with modern  conditions, such as myopia, cataracts, and retinal diseases. 

Conclusion: Ayurveda’s detailed classification of Timira offers a comprehensive framework for understanding visual  disorders. The correlation between Timiras stages and modern ophthalmic conditions underscores the potential  of integrative approaches in diagnosis and treatment, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary eye care  practices. 

Visual disturbances are among the most common complaints presented  by patients in ophthalmic outpatient departments, which can impact  daily functioning. In Ayurvedic literature, such disturbances are  classified primarily under Timira, Kacha, and Linganasha, as described  by all major Acharyas. Acharya Sushruta enumerates 12 types of  Dṛiṣhṭigata Rogas (diseases affecting the visual apparatus), while  Acharya Vagbhaṭa describes 27. Among these, Timira is considered  a significant clinical entity under the broad category of Dṛiṣhṭigata Rogas. Acharya Sushruta regards Timira as a Ghora Roga (grave  disorder), characterized by progressive visual disturbance due to the  

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 5/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 41.

Dwivedi L. Charaka Samhita, Shri Chakrapani Virachita – Hindi Commentary (Sutra Sthana). Ver. 11/20. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2016. p. 394.

Dwivedi L. Charaka Samhita, Shri Chakrapani Virachita – Hindi Commentary (Sutra Sthana). Ver. 11/20. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2016. p. 395.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 26–27/1. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 14.

Dwivedi L. Charaka Samhita, Shri Chakrapani Virachita – Hindi Commentary (Sharira Sthana). Ver. 122–123/1. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2016. p. 992, 993.

Pandey J. Harita Samhita – Nirmala Hindi Commentary. Ver. 1/45. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Vishwa Bharti; 2010. p. 451.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Sharira Tantra). Ver. 28/6. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 75.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 20/1. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 13.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 6–7/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 41.

Murthy KR. Ashtanga Hridayam. Uttar Sthana. Vol. 3., Ver. 1/12. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2014. p. 106.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 8, 9, 10/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 41.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 2/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 41.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 11–15/1. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 41–42.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 42/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 6–7.

Murthy KR. Ashtanga Samgraha. Uttar Sthana. Vol. 3. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Orientalia; 2016. p. 133.

Murthy KR. Ashtanga Hridayam. Uttar Sthana. Vol. 3., Ver. 8–11/12. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2014. p. 107–108.

Available from: https://www.aao.org/education/preferred-practice-pattern/age-related-macular-degeneration-ppp [Last accessed on 2025 Mar 18].

Suzuki M, Ota Y, Takanami T, Yoshino R, Masuda H. Superior canal dehiscence syndrome: A review. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2024;51(1):113–119. doi: 10.1016/j.anl.2023.08.004.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra) by Kaviraj Dr. Ambikadutta Shastri. Ver. 20/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 43.

Shastri A. Sushrut Samhita, Ayurvedatatwa Sandipika – Hindi Commentary Dwitiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 21–22/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2016. p. 43.

Murthy KR. Ashtanga Samgraha. Uttar Sthana. Vol. 3., Ver. 16–17/15. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Orientalia; 2016. p. 135.

Sharma AP. Sushrut Samhita – Hindi Commentary Tritiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 20–21/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan; 2017. p. 57.

Sharma AP. Sushrut Samhita – Hindi Commentary Tritiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 22/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan; 2017. p. 57.

Sharma AP. Sushrut Samhita – Hindi Commentary Tritiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 25/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan; 2017. p. 58.

Sharma AP. Sushrut Samhita – Hindi Commentary Tritiya Bhag (Uttar Tantra). Ver. 23–24/7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan; 2017. p. 58.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-06

How to Cite

thakur , A. T., kumar goud , P., & rajagopala , M. (2025). Deciphering Timira: A Critical appraisal of Visual Pathologies in Ayurveda . International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga, 8(5), 64-68. https://doi.org/10.48165/IRJAY.2025.80511