Category: Cataract

Herbal Remedies for Reis Buckler Dystrophy – Eye Disorder

Abstract

“Eyes” are the vital and important sense organs of our body. We have to sustain our eye health because they allow us to recognize things physically. Most of the eye diseases show no symptoms and occur suddenly, so it’s better to do some preventive measures rather than waiting for suffering from a disease. In this article, we are going to discuss in detail about an eye disorder, “Reis buckler dystrophy” (a genetic autosomal dominant disorder) and its management with Ayurveda.

Introduction

Reis buckler’s dystrophy is the dystrophy of cornea in which the degeneration of the bowman’s layer occurs. It is an autosomal dominant disease associated with mutation of the TGFB1 gene and develops within 1 decade of life. The symptoms include corneal erosion, pain, swelling, redness, and photophobia ultimately leading to corneal dystrophy or loss of vision.

On examination, it shows bilateral cloudy patterns in the upper cornea and elevated epithelium. Corneal erosion often occurs recurrently during 1 year of life and the cornea becomes more irregular and dense. Diagnosis may be done by clinical examination of the eye. Symptomatic management is done at initial stages and at the end the ultimate treatment is surgery i.e. corneal transplantation and keratectomy.

Symptoms of Reis buckler dystrophy

Ayurvedic overview

Ayurveda is known as the science representing the healthy way of life. Our Acharyas explained the concept of daily regimen, seasonal regimen and about the lifestyle (sadvritta) very gently. We will be forever healthy, if we follow some lifestyle and dietary recommendations in our daily routine. As per Ayurveda, all the diseases are caused due to vitiation or imbalance in the tridoshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and kapha. We can correlate Reis buckler dystrophy with shukra roga as mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts i.e., svran and avran shukra.

The stage of corneal erosion i.e., recurrent pain, swelling, redness corresponds to svran shukra and after corneal erosion there is corneal opacity which can be correlated with avran shukra.

1. Svranshukra

Acharya Sushruta explained that the corneal part of the eye has ulcers at the deeper layer due to which it secretes ushansrava (hot secretions) and experiences a pricking pain.

2. Avranshukra

Acharya sushruta states that due to recurrent infection or their associated symptoms, the corneal part becomes opaque and becomes cloudy in appearance which is known as arvanshukra

What are the symptoms of shukra roga?

At initial stages the symptoms are:

  • Suchyavidham pratibhati (Corneal ulcer)
  • Sravamsravedushanam (hot watery secretions from the eye)
  • Teevra Peeda (pricking pain)

At later stages

  • Bhatyasitpradeshesyandhatmkam (corneal part become opaque)
  • Vihayseevachghananukari (opacity appears like cloudy sky )

What is the Diagnosis for Shukra Roga?

Ancient acharyas introduce the concept of Trividha pariksha. The diagnosis of shukra rogas is also done by these three parikshans i.e., darshan (inspection), sparshan (palpation) and prashan (history taking).

With the help of darshan (inspection), we will come to know about corneal opacity, redness etc. We will be able to find the site of pain , redness by sparshan (palpation). Last but not the least, Prashan (History taking) is the most important tool for the diagnosis as the medical history of the family as well as his family about recurrent infections is known with this.

How is shukra roga treated or managed?

The Treatment of shukra roga includes

  • Gharshan (rubbing) of the ulcer or affected area with Shirish beeja (Albizia lebbeck), kali mirch (piper nigrum), Pippali (piper longum) and saindhav lavan.
  • Triphala is to be used according to the involvement of Dosha.
  • Murdhvamsrikasravo (blood letting from mastak sira)
  • Use of ghrita prepared with Nishoth (Operculina turpethum.) and do raktamokshan (blood letting) after that.
  • Intake of Goat milk prepared with kamal (Saussurea obvallata), kakoli (Lilium polyphyllum ), draksha (Vitis vinifera), vidarikanda (Pueraria tuberosa).

Herbal remedies for Reis buckler dystrophy by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a trusted and eminent organization offering herbal products worldwide. These products are prepared by following the strict principles of Ayurveda under the guidance of Expert Ayurveda practitioners. Planet Ayurveda provides some single and poly herbal formulations for the management of Reis buckler dystrophy as these are as follows:-

  1. Bilberry capsules
  2. Angel eye vitale
  3. Pitta balance
  4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  5. Brahmi chayawanprash
  6. Saptamrit loh tab
  7. Jeevantyadi Ghrita
  8. Curcumin Capsules

Product Description

1. Bilberry Capsules

Bilberry capsules are the safe vegetable capsules prepared using standardized extract of Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberries). This single herbal formulation aids in relieving the symptoms of Reis Buckler Dystrophy like pain and diminishes the progress of corneal degeneration.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day after meals with plain water.

2. Angel Eye Vitale Capsules

This herbal formulation is safe and prepared using Grape seeds, Vitamin E, Almond oil, and several other natural ingredients. They possess numerous health benefits for healthy eyes, aid in improving vision and treating eye related problems.

Dosage- 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meal

3. Pitta Balance

Pitta balance is a safe herbal formulation which is prepared using Akik Pishti (agate compound), Kamdudha Ras, Mukta pishti (coral calcium compound) and other natural cooling agents. As its name indicates, it balances the Pitta Dosha in the body so helpful in treating symptoms like irritation and hot watery secretion (ushansrava).

Dosage-1-2 capsules twice daily after meal with plain water

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat vat chintamani ras is a classical herbo-mineral preparation used in numerous nervous system ailments. It has anti-oxidant and rejuvenating properties. The ingredients comprise swarna bhasma, abhrak bhasma, loha bhasma, praval bhasma, etc. with some other efficacious herbs. This helps in pacifying Vata Dosha and helps in the treatment of eye disorders.

Dosage: 1 tablet to be chewed with warm milk twice a day after meal

5. Brahmi Chyawanprash

Brahmi Chyawanprash is purely a herbal formulation in avleha form and prepared using Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Dashmoola, Bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) and 24 other herbs. It possesses rejuvenating properties and assists in sustaining the imbalance of Dosha (body energies), Dhatu(tissues of the body) and mala (bodily waste). This formulation is very effective in eye and nervous disorders.

Dosage:-2-3 teaspoonful, twice daily after meals, preferably with warm milk / lukewarm water.

6. Saptamrit loh Tablets

Saptamrit loh is a poly herbo-mineral formulation which contains

  • Haritaki,(Terminalia chebula)
  • Bibhitaki(Terminalia chebula)
  • Amalaki(Emblica officinalis)
  • Yashtimadhu(Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  • Loha Bhasma, etc.
This preparation is very effective for eyes and body’s health. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties due to which it is beneficial in treating symptoms like pain and redness.

Dosage: 2 to 3 tablets twice a day with Honey or Ghee after meals

7. Jeevantyadi Ghrita

This herbal formulation is safe and prepared in ghrit form using classical herbs. For eye diseases, snehana (oleation therapy) with ghrit is done and it aids in treating the associated symptoms. It can be given both externally and internally and has both vata and kapha pacifying properties.

Dosage: 1 teaspoon with lukewarm water or with food

8. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin is a single herb formulation using standardized extract of Curcumin or turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin is an amazing herb known for its antiseptic, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These capsules help in improving the vision and slow down the process of corneal degeneration.

Dosage – 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water, after the meals.

Conclusion

Hence, we can conclude that herbs work well on the three vital energies i.e., Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The herbal formulations from Planet Ayurveda show effectual results in treating the patients with Reis buckler dystrophy. Also, following a proper diet and lifestyle supports the treatment and provides results within a limited period of time. For a personalized consultation, you can write to us at herbalremedies123@yahoo.com.

How to Improve Eyesight Naturally?

Introduction

Many reasons are there that make you wear glasses, the most common is altering your lifestyle, watching TV for long without blinking your eyelids, sitting & working on your computer, laptop, tablets & mobiles, reduction in nutritious diet and some hereditary conditions.

Many people are forced to wear glasses because they are suffering from diseases like Myopia and Hypermyopia. Poor eyesight is very common in the world today. It has two type farsightedness and nearsightedness. Some people can’t recognize the far away things and many can’t read the nearby things, both of these are related to the former and latter respectively. Most people wear glasses or contact lenses to see properly. Putting eye drops for correcting their vision is another method that is not liked by many.

Weak Eyesight

When you get fed up of all the resources, only one science can enhance your eyesight & that’s Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, the poor vision is called as drishti dosha and it believes that the problem can be due to nervous debility, congestion and bowel movements becoming irregular. Ayurveda does believe that certain foods eaten according to prescription can enhance your eyesight. Let’s take a look at some of the exercises, fruits and veggies that enhance your eye sight.

What are the natural ways to improve eyesight?

Natural ways to improve eyesight

Eye Exercises:

  • A few exercises make your eyes more flexible. These exercises help the blood to flow easily in the eyes and helps in providing the ultimate vision. Eye exercises lower the strain that your eyes have to bear daily and enhance your concentration. You need to rotate your eye balls both in the clockwise direction and anti-clockwise for a few seconds. There is another one, flutter your eyes, meaning blink your eyes continuously for 20 to 30 seconds repeatedly. Do these exercises twice a day and see the eyesight improve in a month.

Almonds for Weal Eyesight

Almonds:

  • Almonds contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and anti-oxidants that naturally enhance your eyesight. These also help in improving concentration and memory power.

How to Use

  • You can eat them in raw form or make a paste by first crushing them in a grinder, then mixing the powder in a glass of milk and then drink it after stirring well. This should be done daily unless you feel some improvement.

Health Benefits of Fennel Seeds

Fennel:

  • In ancient times the Romans called fennel as ‘the herb of sight’, must be a solid reason behind it. Fennel has an abundance of nutrients and anti-oxidants, which slows down the growth of cataracts and enhance health to the eyes. A large variety of fennel seeds should be used to promote eye sight.

How to Use

  • Add a cup of almonds with fennel & sugar and put them in a grinder. Crush them until all 3 are reduced to form a clean powder. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder and mix it in a glass of milk and stir well. Drink this glass before slipping in your sheets. Repeat this procedure for at least 40 days and see the difference.

Health Benefits of amla

Amla (Indian gooseberry):

  • Amla is famous for eradicating dozens of diseases and enhancing the eye sight is one of them. It contains lots of vitamin C. The Amla fruit is rich in possessing anti-oxidants and strong nutrients, which are certainly going to enhance your eye sight. Vitamin C in Amla enhances the functions of retina cells and improves the health of capillaries.

How to Use

  • Mix a few teaspoons of Amla fruit’s juice in half a cup of water. Drink it twice a day, in the morning and evening. You can also add a spoon of raw honey to sweeten it.

Wild Asparagus

Wild Asparagus:

  • Asparagus is a strong  wild herb of Ayurveda that helps in enhancing your eye sight. Vitamin A is present in this herb that helps retina to absorb light. It also helps in stopping the macular degeneration. It also grants the eyes a long and healthy life.

How to Use

  • Mix a teaspoon of asparagus juice with some raw honey and drink it after mixing in cow’s warm milk. Keep repeating it for a few months to see any improvement.

 

Ginkgo Biloba:

  • Not much research was done on its effects on eyes, but a recent study is quite promising. This is also an herb in the Ayurvedic world that enhances the eye sight. Besides of improving your vision it also helps in macular degeneration and saves you from glaucoma, meaning increased pressure within the eyeball, causing a gradual loss of eye sight.
  • Some research was done and it was found to be beneficiary for retinopathy. But remember one thing, this remedy should not be given to kids and the patients of diabetes. It will be better if you consult your ophthalmologist before consuming it.

What Diet Should be followed?

Keep having a healthy diet:

  • If you eat a healthy diet, which consists of seasonal fresh fruits and veggies and notgoes for junk foods, packed foods, and soft drinks and drinks having alcohol in it. The diet should be rich in having vitamins A, B, C, D, E, beta-carotene and amino acids, which should take care about the health of your eyes saving them from many infections. Some of the foods do have these qualities & nutrients like green leafy vegetables, kale, broccoli, beetroot, nuts, blueberries, oranges, spinach, beans, eggs and fatty fishes like salmon, tuna and some other oily fish can help to enhance your eye sight.
  • Good & healthy eye sight begins with the food placed on your plate. A well-balanced diet helps you in having a healthy physical appearance. Such a diet never lets you become obese and saves you from type 2 diabetes, which is the main reason for blindness among adults.

What Should Be Avoided?

Quit Smoking:

  • If you smoke then you become more prone to having cataracts, your optic nerve can get hurt, stoppage of macular degeneration is inevitable and many more medical troubles. If you had quit smoking and couldn’t leave for long, try it again & again. The more you try it the more you succeed. If you still can’t give up, seek the advice of some rehab center or consult your doctor.

Tips

  • The above mentioned methods can be tried at home and not only will they enhance your eye sight, but make you physically smarter.
  • You can gain self confidence and lose stress, which is another cause for poor vision.
  • These don’t cost a fortune and all the herbs should be authentically organic.
  • If these remedies fail to improve your eye sight, better go to your ophthalmologist and seek his/her advise