Ayurvedic Treatment for Glaucoma with Herbal Remedies
ABSTRACT
Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions characterized by irreversible damage to the optic nerve, is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Affecting over 70 million people globally, Glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of sight due to its ability to progress undetected, causing permanent vision loss before symptoms become apparent. So in this article, we will discuss how Glaucoma is caused, its types, and symptoms, how to diagnose it, and how it is treated with Modern and Ayurvedic principles.
INTRODUCTION
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that have a characterized optic neuropathy associated with visual field defects and elevated intraocular pressure. It is not a single disease process but a group of disorders characterized by progressive optic neuropathy resulting in a characteristic appearance of the disc and a specific pattern of irreversible visual field defects that are associated frequently but not invariably with raised intraocular pressure (IOP). Thus IOP is the most common risk factor but not the only risk factor for the development of Glaucoma. So simply we can say that Increased intraocular pressure which is created by the solid, liquid content of the eye and the elasticity of its coats is known as Glaucoma. The normal Intraocular pressure is 16 to 23 mm Hg.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR RISE OF IOP
- Increased aqueous production
- Decreased aqueous outflow due to obstruction of its drainage
- External pressure on the eyeball
CAUSES
Glaucoma is a complex condition and its causes can be multifactorial. Here are some risk factors of glaucoma:
- Age: Glaucoma risk increases especially after 40.
- High BP: Hypertension can increase glaucoma.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can also increase the risk of glaucoma.
- Myopia: People with high myopia (nearsightedness) are at higher risk.
- Eye Injuries: Traumatic eye injuries.
- Steroid Use: Long-term use of steroids.
PATHOLOGICAL CAUSE
- IOP is increased
- Optic nerve damage
- Aqueous humor dynamics
CLASSIFICATION
There are several types of Glaucoma each with distinct characteristics and causes:
1. OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type, accounting for about 90% of all glaucoma cases. It is characterized by:
- Gradual clogging of the drainage canal in the eye
- Slow increase in IOP
- Peripheral vision loss and blind spots in the advanced stages.
2. ANGLE CLOSURE GLAUCOMA
It is a less common but more severe type. It is characterized by:
- Sudden blockage of the drainage canal in the eye
- A rapid increase in IOP
- Severe eye pain, Redness, and blurred vision.
3. CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA
Congenital glaucoma affects babies and is caused by:
- Abnormal development of eye drainage
- Increased IOP
- Watering and sensitivity to light
4. SECONDARY GLAUCOMA
- Eye injuries or Surgeries
- Abnormal Eye Anatomy
- Certain Medication
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF GLAUCOMA
SYMPTOMS
- Visual blurring
- Haziness of vision
- Rapid onset of severe eye pain
- See halos around light
- Headache
- Vomiting
SIGNS
1. Primary Open-angle Glaucoma / Chronic Angle Closure Glaucoma
- Elevate IOP (>21mmHg)
- Visual field defects
- Optic disc cupping
2. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
- Red eyes and pupils may be large and non-reactive to light
- High elevated IOP
- Corneal swelling
- Decrease visual acuity
DIAGNOSIS
- Visual Acuity Test: To measure sharpness and clarity of vision.
- Refraction Test: Determine the correct lens power for glasses or contact lenses.
- Slit lamp Biomicroscopy: Examine the anterior segment of the eye including the cornea, iris, and lens.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Examine the post segment of the eye including the Retina and Optic nerve.
- Tonometry: To measure the IOP.
- Gonioscopy: Examine the drainage angle of the eye.
TREATMENT
Its treatment aims to reduce the IOP slow disease progression and prevent vision loss.
- Medication: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
- Eye Drops: to reduce IOP
- Prostaglandin analogs
- Beta Blockers
- Alpha agonist
AYURVEDIC APPROACH
According to Ayurveda, Glaucoma is correlated to ADHIMANTHA. According to Ayurveda, a severe pain in the eye is the prime symptom of Adhimantha. It is a disease of the eyes that mainly involves the vitiation of all doshas, with the dominance of Pitta and Rakta. It is characterized by symptoms such as itching, watering, and heaviness of the head which reflects the nature of the disease glaucoma. It is mainly caused by improper management or Neglect of the disease Abhishyanda which is mainly compared with ocular inflammation. This inflammation occurs due to the accumulation of Ama (Toxins) which mainly affects the channels of the eye.
CAUSES
- Vataja: Pricking pain in eyes
- Pitta: Burning pain in the eyes
- Kaphaja: Heaviness and itching sensation in the eye
- Rakhaja: Rakt prakopa vedna.
SAMANYA LAKSHAN
- Severe pain in the eyes like scooping it from the orbit
- Crushing type of pain or churning type of pain (Manthana vata shoola)
- Half headache (Ardhav bhedk)
- Vataja complication
BHED (TYPES)
1. VATIK ADIMANTHA (ACUTE CONGESTIVE GLAUCOMA)
- It is a disease in which the patient has scooping type or breaking type or spastic type or pricking type or cutting type of pain in the eye.
- Exudation
- Foreign body sensation
- Dirty appearance with Aadmana (increased tension in the eyeball)
- Kampana (shivering)
2. PITTAJA ADIMANTHA (ACUTE CONGESTIVE GLAUCOMA)
- Eye spread with red capillary net (Rakt rajechitham)
- Watering of eyes (Netra srava)
- Severe Burning sensation
- Hyperemia of eyes like yakruth
- Edema of eyelids (Varthma shopha)
- Visualizes the things in yellow colour
3. KAPHAJA ADIMANTHA (SIMPLE CHRONIC GLAUCOMA OR CHRONIC CONGESTION GLAUCOMA)
- Netra shoth (Oedema)
- Srava (Lacrimation)
- Kandu (Itching)
- Shir ruja (Headache)
- Difficulty in visualization and opening of eyelids
4. RAKTHAJ ADHIMANTHA (CONGESTIVE GLAUCOMA OR SECONDARY GLAUCOMA)
- Eyes become red and discharge red secretion
- Visualizes the objects in Red colour (Agnivath)
- Severe pricking pain & burning sensation in eyes and head.
PROGNOSIS (According to Sushruta)
- Vataj Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 6 Days
- Pittaja Adhimantha: Loss of vision immediately
- Kaphaj Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 7 days
- Rakt Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 5 days
MANAGEMENT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA
VATA
- Snehpana with Acha ghrita, Purana ghrita
- Nasya karma – Anutail, Ajadugdha boiled with mula, Kanda, and Patra of Erand used as eye drops
- Swedana – Bashpa swedana
PITTA
- Snehpan – Ghee mixed with Sarkara
- Sramsana – With the decoction of Triphala, Trivrut
- Parseka – Decoction of Lodhra, Yastimadhu
KAPHA
- Ashyotan – Eye drops made with Nagr, Nimb, Triphala, Vasa, and Lodhra are used.
- Rakt ashyotan – Churan of Kaseru and madhuka are wrapped in cloth and soaked in rainwater used as eye drops.
PROGNOSIS (According to Sushruta)
- Vataj Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 6 Days
- Pittaja Adhimantha: Loss of vision immediately
- Kaphaj Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 7 days
- Rakt Adhimantha: Loss of vision in 5 days
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR GLAUCOMA BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company that offers a wide range of herbal medicines and supplements that cater to various health conditions and needs. Their products are made from natural and organic ingredients that are free from chemicals, preservatives, and additives. For Glaucoma, Planet Ayurveda has various products out of which we will discuss the prime ones.
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. ANGEL EYE VITALE CAPSULES
Angel eye Vitale is a capsule formation formed by magical herbs which include Amla (Emblica officinalis), Gotukola (Centella asiatica), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). The Amla acts as an anti-inflammatory and also relaxes the eye muscles to reduce the pressure on the optic nerves. Gotukola may help to improve blood flow to the body, promote healthy vision and also reduce the IOP, and Bhringraj helps to improve vision by enhancing the health of the retina and optic nerves.
Dosage: One capsule twice daily
2. BILBERRY CAPSULES
Bilberry capsule is a capsule formation that is formed by a standardized extract of a single herb Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). It mainly contains flavonoids and anthocyanins which have anti-inflammatory properties. It also improves vision, particularly in low light conditions and also reduces eye fatigue, and improves eye health.
Dosage: One capsule twice daily
3. GREEN ESSENTIAL
Green essential is a capsule formation which is formed by Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Wheatgrass (Triticum sativum), Spirulina (Arthrospira), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), and Amla (Emblica officinalis). Grape seeds contain Proanthocyanidins which provide protection against free radicals. It also slows down glaucoma progression and reduces the risk of vision loss. Wheatgrass has a high level of antioxidants including vitamin C and E which reduce oxidative stress and protects the eye. Spirulina has neuroprotective effects protecting the optic nerve and retina from glaucoma damage and also helps to improve vision by enhancing retina and optic nerve health. Green tea has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties catechin in it ameliorates retinal ganglion and degeneration in glaucoma. Amla also acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Dosage: One capsule twice daily
4. AMALAKI RASAYAN
Amalaki rasayan is a capsule formulation and it is formed by the Standardized single herb Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). It gives numerous benefits to managing glaucoma like anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation in the eyes alleviating glaucoma symptoms and also relax ciliary muscles reducing IOP and alleviating glaucoma symptoms.
Dosage: One capsule twice daily
CONCLUSION
In this article, we have discussed glaucoma which is a multifactorial eye disorder, By understanding the disease its cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment through the lens of Modern and Ayurvedic principles. In which the Ayurveda can heal the disease from the root cause can reduce symptoms of the disease by its roots. By which the individual can adopt a holistic approach to reduce IOP, alleviate symptoms and promote eye health.
