Eye discomfort may occur because of prolonged screen use, environmental exposure, inadequate sleep, allergies or an underlying eye condition. Ayurveda describes several specialised external procedures for eye care under Netra Kriyakalpa. Bidalakam, also called Bidalaka, is one such procedure.
Bidalakam should not be treated as a home remedy or a replacement for an ophthalmologist’s examination. Because the application is made close to the eyes, it must be selected and performed by a qualified Ayurveda physician after evaluating the person’s symptoms and medical history.
What is Bidalakam?
Bidalakam is a traditional external Ayurvedic procedure involving the application of a physician-selected medicinal paste over the closed eyelids and surrounding area, generally avoiding the eyelashes and direct contact with the eyes.
The medicine, preparation method, thickness of application and duration are not identical for everyone. These factors are determined according to the clinical assessment, the condition of the eyelids and surrounding skin, the person’s tolerance and the physician’s treatment plan.
Published Ayurvedic literature describes Bidalaka as an external application over the closed eyelids. However, available clinical evidence remains limited, and more standardised research is required to establish its effectiveness for specific medical conditions.
Is Bidalakam the same as Netra Tarpana?
No. Although both are described within Ayurvedic eye-care practice, their methods differ.
In Bidalakam, a medicinal paste is applied externally over the closed eyelids. In Netra Tarpana, a prescribed liquid preparation is retained around the eyes using a specially prepared boundary.
The appropriate procedure cannot be selected solely from symptoms found online. An Ayurveda physician should first examine the person and decide whether any eye procedure is suitable.
Why may an Ayurveda physician consider Bidalakam?
Traditional Ayurvedic practice may consider Bidalakam as part of an individualised plan for selected complaints involving the eyelids or the area surrounding the eyes.
People may seek medical advice for concerns such as:
- A feeling of eye fatigue
- Discomfort after extended screen exposure
- Mild heaviness around the eyes
- Watering, irritation or a burning sensation
- Eyelid discomfort
These symptoms can have several different causes. Bidalakam should therefore not be promoted as a proven treatment for dry eye disease, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataract, refractive errors or other diagnosed eye diseases.
A proper eye examination may be required before an Ayurvedic procedure is considered.
How is Bidalakam performed?
The exact protocol varies according to the physician’s prescription. A supervised session may broadly include the following stages.
1. Clinical assessment
The physician reviews the patient’s symptoms, their duration, previous eye conditions, allergies, current medicines and other relevant health information.
People who use contact lenses, have undergone recent eye surgery or are using prescribed eye drops must inform the physician before the procedure.
2. Preparation
The patient is positioned comfortably in a clean treatment area. Contact lenses, eye makeup and products applied around the eyes should be removed.
The physician selects the formulation and application medium. Patients should not prepare herbal pastes themselves because inappropriate ingredients, contamination or accidental entry into the eye may cause irritation or injury.
3. External application
With the eyes gently closed, the prepared paste is carefully applied over the prescribed external area. The eyelashes, eye margins and inside of the eyes are avoided.
The duration and thickness of the application depend on the physician’s instructions and the patient’s response.
4. Careful removal
The paste is softened where required and removed gently without rubbing the eyes. The surrounding area is then cleaned according to the prescribed protocol.
5. Observation and aftercare
The therapist or physician checks for discomfort, redness or an unexpected reaction. The patient may be advised to rest the eyes briefly and avoid rubbing them immediately afterwards.
Does Bidalakam improve eyesight?
There is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to claim that Bidalakam improves vision, removes spectacles or treats serious eye diseases.
It should not be advertised as a cure for cataract, glaucoma, retinal disease, infection or loss of vision. Any potential role must be explained cautiously and considered only after an appropriate clinical assessment.
This distinction protects patients from delaying necessary ophthalmic care.
Who should avoid Bidalakam?
Bidalakam may be unsuitable or require additional medical clearance in people with:
- Sudden eye pain or changes in vision
- An eye injury or suspected foreign object
- Active discharge or a suspected infection
- Open wounds, dermatitis or severe irritation around the eyes
- Known allergies to any proposed ingredient
- Recent eye surgery or an ophthalmic procedure
- Contact-lens-related pain or redness
- Ongoing treatment for glaucoma, retinal disease or another eye disorder
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients and people taking multiple medicines should provide their complete medical history before any therapy is planned.
When is urgent medical attention required?
Seek prompt ophthalmic or emergency medical assessment for:
- Sudden or partial loss of vision
- Severe eye pain
- Chemical exposure or eye injury
- Marked light sensitivity
- New flashes, floaters or a curtain-like shadow
- Significant swelling, pus-like discharge or worsening redness
- Eye symptoms accompanied by severe headache, vomiting or neurological symptoms
Do not postpone conventional medical evaluation while waiting for an Ayurvedic appointment.
Can Bidalakam be performed at home?
It is not advisable to perform Bidalakam using internet recipes or non-prescribed powders.
The eye area is sensitive, and even a commonly used natural ingredient may cause an allergic reaction, contamination or mechanical irritation. The formulation must also be prepared hygienically and kept away from the eye surface.
“Natural” does not automatically mean sterile or safe for use near the eyes.
Doctor-guided Ayurvedic care at Sai Ayush
At Sai Ayush Ayurveda Hospital, recommendations are made only after consultation with a qualified Ayurveda physician. The doctor considers the person’s symptoms, medical history, current treatment and suitability before recommending any external Ayurvedic procedure.
Patients can meet our Ayurvedic doctors for an individual assessment. Doctor-guided Ayurvedic consultations are available at the Sai Ayush KPHB hospital and the Sai Ayush Madinaguda clinic.
A consultation does not guarantee that Bidalakam will be advised. Referral to an ophthalmologist may be recommended when symptoms require specialist eye evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bidalakam painful?
The procedure is intended to be an external application over closed eyelids. Persistent burning, pain, swelling or visual disturbance is not normal and should be reported immediately.
Is Bidalakam suitable for screen-related eye strain?
Screen-related symptoms may have several causes, including reduced blinking, uncorrected refractive errors and dry eye disease. A clinician should first identify the likely cause. Bidalakam must not be presented as a universal solution.
How many sessions are required?
There is no standard number suitable for every patient. If the procedure is appropriate, its frequency and duration are decided by the treating physician.
Can prescribed eye drops be stopped before Bidalakam?
No. Do not stop or change ophthalmic medicines unless the prescribing doctor advises you to do so.
Key takeaway
Bidalakam is a traditional Ayurvedic external procedure in which a prescribed paste is applied over the closed eyelids. Its formulation, duration and suitability must be decided individually.
The procedure should be presented as supportive, doctor-guided Ayurvedic care—not as a cure or substitute for ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general education and does not diagnose or treat any condition. Individual suitability and outcomes vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for persistent or worsening eye symptoms.
