Raising Clinical Awareness on the Integration of Ayurvedic Herbs and Functional Foods in Ocular Neuroprotection: A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Review

Ocular neurodegenerative disorders, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), contribute significantly to visual disability and blindness worldwide. Optometry as a clinical discipline has increasingly recognized the importance of neuroprotection beyond refractive correction. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, provides an extensive pharmacopeia of neuroprotective and Rasayana herbs, while modern nutritional science supports the role of functional foods in sustaining retinal and optic nerve health. This review aims to synthesize scientific and clinical evidence supporting Ayurvedic herbs and functional foods with neuroprotective properties, while emphasizing their translational relevance in optometric practice and ocular diagnostics. A narrative, evidence-based review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, AYUSH Research Portal, and Google Scholar databases. Literature from 2000-2025 was reviewed focusing on mechanistic pathways, optometric clinical implications, and translational applications in ocular neuroprotection. Findings indicate that Ayurvedic herbs such as Triphala, Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monnieri, Tinospora cordifolia, and Ginkgo biloba enhance retinal antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial stability, and vascular perfusion. Functional foods enriched in lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, and polyphenols augment these effects by maintaining macular pigment density and photoreceptor viability. Clinical optometry now employs advanced imaging modalities such as OCT, PERG, mfERG, and contrast sensitivity testing to detect early neurodegeneration, providing opportunities for integrative interventions. Integrating Ayurvedic phytopharmacology and functional nutrition within optometric care models can strengthen ocular neuroprotection strategies. Enhanced clinical awareness and inter-professional collaboration between optometrists, nutritionists, and Ayurvedic practitioners are essential for translating this knowledge into preventive and therapeutic outcomes.

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