Eye cancer: 5 symptoms which can lead to it and its prevention in Ayurveda

Eye cancer is a condition where healthy cells in or around the eyes grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. If benign, it grows without spreading, while malignant tumours can grow and spread to various parts of the body. Eye cancer incidence in India is low, but early detection is crucial for controlling the disease. However, clinical presentations can vary, and patients often ignore signs and symptoms until too late.

According to Dr. Vinay Bhatia, Head, Molecular Biology National Reference Lab, Oncquest Laboratories Limited, Gurugram, “Early detection is vital for controlling eye cancer. Common symptoms of eye cancer include blurred vision, partial or total vision loss, shadows, light flashes, wiggly lines, a growing dark patch, bulging of one eye, lumps on eyelids, and pain in or around the eyes. If these symptoms occur, people should contact a physician immediately, as it's better to be safe than sorry.”
Eye cancer is influenced by certain risk factors, including alterations in cellular DNA, atypical moles, abnormal brown spots on the uvea or iris, and certain eye colours. Researchers are exploring how these factors can increase the risk of developing certain types of eye cancer. Atypical moles, oculodermal melanocytosis, and iris nevus also increase the risk.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that provides holistic approaches to health and wellness. Ayurveda emphasizes maintaining balance in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) to promote overall health, including ocular health. Overall, in Ayurveda, the eyes are highly respected as organs of sight and indicators of your internal balance. This ancient viewpoint provides a complete approach to eye health, promoting a harmonious balance within your body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda perceives persistent redness and inflammation of the eyes as signals of aggravated Pitta dosha, indicating excessive heat and inflammation in the system. Prolonged and unexplained vision changes are viewed as disturbances in Vata dosha, the subtle force responsible for movement and sensory perception.

Dr. Mandeep Singh Basu, Director Dr. Basu Eye Hospital and Jagat Pharma says, “If your eyes often feel very dry and gritty in Ayurveda, it could mean there's an issue with something called "Kapha dosha." This dosha represents too much of the earth and water elements in your body. If your eyes are chronically dry and gritty, it might be a sign of this imbalance.”

Ayurvedic practitioners check the quality of tears. If your eyes are too watery and have strange discharge, it could mean a problem with bodily humour balance. Also, if there are unusual growths or lumps in and around your eyes, Ayurveda sees it as a severe sign of dosha imbalance that needs immediate attention.

Eye cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, laser therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery depends on the type, size, and extent of the tumour. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells, while laser therapy uses infrared light to heat and burn the tumour. Chemotherapy may be an option if the cancer has spread to other body parts, but it is less effective than other types of cancer.