“USE OF TARPANA IN OCULAR SURFACE DISORDERS: CLASSICAL INSIGHTS AND MODERN CORRELATIONS”
Introduction: Tarpana, one of the classical Netra Kriyakalpa procedures described in Ayurveda, involves retaining medicated ghee or oil over the eyes within a dough boundary. Traditionally, it is indicated for Netra rukshata (dry eye), Abhighata janya vyadhi (traumatic eye disorders), Timira (incipient cataract), and ocular fatigue. Modern ophthalmology identifies ocular surface disorders, particularly dry eye disease, keratopathy, and corneal ulcers, as conditions requiring prolonged ocular lubrication and surface healing. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Ayurvedic classics (Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharangadhara Samhita), PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Keywords included “Tarpana,” “Ayurveda,” “ocular surface disorders,” “dry eye,” and “ocular drug delivery.” Inclusion criteria comprised classical Ayurvedic descriptions, pharmacological studies on Tarpana formulations, and clinical trials on ocular surface disorders. Exclusion criteria included studies with inadequate methodology or non-ocular applications. Results: Classical references highlight Tarpana’s nourishing, lubricating, and strengthening actions on ocular tissues. Ghee-based formulations such as Triphala Ghrita and Jeevantyadi Ghrita are frequently recommended. Pharmacological studies demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects of their phytoconstituents. Modern parallels equate Tarpana to prolonged ocular drug contact, similar to sustained-release delivery systems. Clinical studies report improvement in dry eye symptoms, ocular fatigue in digital strain, and healing of corneal ulcers with Tarpana therapy. Discussion: Tarpana provides a holistic, site-specific ocular therapy combining lubrication, antioxidant protection, and tissue rejuvenation. Modern evidence corroborates its efficacy but emphasizes the need for standardization, sterility, and randomized controlled trials. Conclusion: Tarpana represents a promising traditional intervention for ocular surface disorders, bridging classical wisdom and modern ophthalmology. Its pharmacological validation and clinical evidence position it as a complementary therapy with significant global potential.
KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Dry Eye, Netra Kriyakalpa, Ocular Surface Disorders, Tarpana