TIMIRA AND ITS CLINICAL CORRELATION WITH REFRACTIVE ERRORS – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Timira is a Drishtigata Netra Roga described in Ayurvedic classics, characterized by progressive diminution of vision due to vitiation of Doshas affecting the visual apparatus. Classical texts describe Timira in a staged manner, based on involvement of different Patalas of the eye, ultimately leading to severe visual impairment if untreated. In contemporary ophthalmology, refractive errors constitute the most common cause of defective vision worldwide and include myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The clinical features of early stages of Timira show remarkable similarity with refractive errors, especially blurred vision, eye strain, and difficulty in visual perception. Ayurveda emphasizes early diagnosis and timely management of Timira through Kriyakalpa, Shamana Chikitsa, Rasayana, and lifestyle modifications. This review attempts to critically analyze the oncept of Timira and correlate it with refractive errors, highlighting an integrative approach for effective management and prevention of visual impairment.