10 Ayurvedic Eye Drops Guide

Eye care has its own long tradition in Ayurveda, called netra chikitsa. Today many Indian makers produce Ayurvedic eye drops, from modern sterile drops made with herbal extracts to traditional anjan, thicker preparations applied along the eyelid. This guide explains the main types and, most importantly, how to use them safely.

The main types

• Herbal eye drops: watery drops, usually sterile, made with extracts such as honey, rose, triphala, neem or camphor. Most people use them for tired, strained or dry-feeling eyes after screen work. Examples: Dey’s Itone, Himalaya Ophthacare, Khojati Twinkle, Kottakkal Netramritam.
• Classical preparations: traditional formulas from Ayurvedic pharmacies, such as Kottakkal Elaneer Kuzhampu, based on tender coconut water, and Jiwadaya Netraprabha Plus.
• Anjan: traditional eye preparations, often with honey or herbs, which can feel stronger and may sting briefly. Examples: Khojati Tri-Phalanjan, Tri-Phalanjan Cool Lite, Khojati Neem Anjan, Kashmir Herbals Catramide.

Browse all of them in Eye Care, or try two side by side with a set such as Itone + Tri-Phalanjan.

How to apply eye drops, step by step

1. Wash your hands with soap and dry them.
2. Check the bottle: the seal, the expiry date, and the date you opened it.
3. Tilt your head back and look up.
4. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to make a small pocket.
5. Squeeze one drop into the pocket. Do not let the tip touch your eye, eyelashes or fingers.
6. Close your eye gently for a minute. Pressing lightly on the inner corner, next to the nose, keeps the drop in the eye longer.
7. Wipe away any excess with a clean tissue, and replace the cap straight away.
8. If you use two different drops, wait at least five minutes between them.

Safety rules worth following

• Contact lenses: take them out before using any drops, and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in, unless the label says the drops are made for lens wearers.
• Never share eye drops, even with family.
• Mind the use-by period after opening. Many drops should be thrown away about a month after opening, even if some is left. Check the pack.
• A brief sting is normal with some anjan. Pain that lasts, or redness or blurred vision that gets worse, is not. Stop and rinse with clean water.
• Children: only use products labelled as suitable for them, and check with a doctor first.

When to see a doctor instead

Ayurvedic eye drops are for everyday comfort. They are not a replacement for medical care. See a doctor or optometrist promptly if you have:

• eye pain, sudden blurred or reduced vision, or flashes and floaters
• a red eye with discharge, or sensitivity to light
• an injury, or something stuck in your eye
• glaucoma, recent eye surgery, or any eye condition you are being treated for

Never stop prescribed eye drops in favour of herbal ones without asking your doctor.

Before you order

Some countries treat eye preparations as medicines, with stricter import rules. Check your country’s rules for personal imports first. Our Shipping & Customs page has more on this.

This article is for general information. It is not medical advice.