CTRI registered studies on Timira with Reference to Refractive Errors: A Descriptive Analysis and SWOT Assessment

Abstract

Background: Timira is a classical Ayurvedic condition associated with visual disturbances and has been correlated with refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia, and presbyopia. Several Ayurvedic interventions for Timira have been investigated and registered in the Clinical Trials Registry–India (CTRI). Objective: To review and describe the characteristics of CTRI-registered studies on Timira with reference to refractive errors and to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with the Ayurvedic therapeutic procedures investigated. Materials and Methods: A descriptive registry-based analysis was conducted using data extracted from the CTRI database for studies registered between 2013 and 2023. The search included the terms “Myopia,” “Timira,” and “Prathama-Dwitiya Patalagata Timira .” The registered studies were analysed with respect to study status, age group, study design, sample size, treatment duration, interventions, route of administration, and geographical distribution. A SWOT analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the feasibility and standardization of Ayurvedic therapeutic procedures. Results: A total of 28 CTRI-registered studies were identified, comprising 16 completed and 12 ongoing studies. The studies included both observational and interventional designs and involved different age groups, sample sizes, treatment durations, and Ayurvedic interventions. Interventions included oral medications and local therapeutic procedures such as Tarpana, Nasya, Anjana, Ghritapana, and Aschyotana. The highest number of registered studies was reported from Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Lack of standardization, variable patient compliance, limited clinical evidence, and heterogeneity of treatment protocols were identified as important challenges. Conclusion: The review demonstrates ongoing research interest in Ayurvedic approaches to Timira and refractive errors. Standardization of Kriyakalpa procedures, improved registry reporting, appropriate outcome measures, and rigorous clinical research are required to strengthen the evidence base.