Importance of agni in the context of ocular health, pathogenesis, and treatment: an Ayurvedic review

Abstract

Background: Agni, the metabolic and digestive force described in Ayurveda, is the foundation of good health. The eye (Netra), considered Tejomaya and dependent on Alochaka Pitta, is profoundly influenced by systemic Agni. Classical texts state that a wholesome diet nourishes the senses, including vision, whereas a faulty diet (viruddha ahāra) and impaired Agni lead to Ama formation and ocular diseases. Modern evidence confirms the gut–eye axis linking digestive inflammation with ocular pathologies. Objective: To review classical Ayurvedic concepts and contemporary scientific evidence on the role of Agni in ocular physiology, pathogenesis of eye disorders, and treatment. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya), commentaries, and modern biomedical databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus). The keywords included Agni, Ama, Alochaka Pitta, ocular inflammation, ocular degeneration, gut–eye axis, Ayurveda, diet, and eye health. Results: 5 major themes emerged: (1) fundamental concepts of vision in Ayurveda; (2) relationship between Agni and Alochaka Pitta; (3) pathogenesis of eye disorders due to Agni Mandya and Ama; (4) correlation with modern ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, AMD, dry eye, and CVS; (5) therapeutic strategies including Agni Deepana, Ama Pachana, Pathya Ahara, Rasayana, and Panchakarma. Conclusion: Ayurveda describes a holistic and interconnected framework linking Agni with ocular health centuries before modern science recognized the gut–eye axis. Impairment of Agni and subsequent Ama formation contribute significantly to inflammatory and degenerative eye disease. Diet-centered management, Agni therapies, and ocular Rasayana offer preventive and therapeutic benefits.