Tag: Ayurvedic Treatment of Defective Vision

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.

Why Vision of Young Children is Being Affected These Days

Role of vision in child development: Overview

Vision has a very important role to play in the physical, cognitive, and social development of children. Vision disorders are being detected in an increasing number of children these days, because of which their development is being affected to a great extent. Hence, it is pertinent that vision disorders in children are treated in a timely manner, so that vision problems do not affect their health and well-being in adulthood.

Children with uncorrected vision disorders generally have poor academic performance because vision problems interfere with learning. Moreover, vision problems also impair the recreational activities of children, and may even lead to permanent vision loss in certain cases.

Children can suffer from a number of vision problems. However, vision problems in children cannot easily be figured out by parents because children do not complain about their difficulty in vision. Mostly, parents come to know of the vision problems of their children only when the problems become perceptible, and there is deterioration in the eyesight of the affected child

Children affected by vision problems may suffer from low-to-no vision, blurred vision, loss of side vision, or color blindness

Why vision of children is being affected: Causes

Usually, children who have a family history of childhood vision disorders are potentially at a high risk of vision problems.

Besides family history, several vision problems in children — especially infants — are also commonly linked to the permeability of ultraviolet radiation and blue light, and sensitivity to glare. Although light is essential for the development of visual function in children because it conveys signals that are converted by the brain into information, which influences the development of neural connections, it is important to protect the eyes of the children from strong light during the first few months of their life.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Weak Eyesight

Improper care of the eyes in the early years can affect the vision of children. Generally speaking, vision disorders in children are associated with the following conditions :

  • Exposure to sunlight
  • Exposure to ‘bad blue’ light that can cause retinal damage
  • Exposure to different kinds of display screens, especially LED screens
  • Improper quality and quantity of lighting while reading/writing
  • Improper and unhealthy diet
  • Sleep disorders.

Common vision problems in children

Vision problems in children can largely be divided into two groups:

  • Refractive eye disorders, which are marked by blurred vision due to the inability of the eye to focus the light that enters it.
  • Non-refractive eye disorders, which are caused by eye diseases.

Refractive eye disorders are the most common cause of vision problems among school-age children. Nearly 20% children of school-going age suffer from refractive errors. Some of the noticeable indications of refractive errors in children are: squinting, tilting the head to see better, holding the book too close, frequent eye rubbing, sensitivity to light, closing one eye to read or watch TV, avoiding activities that require near vision, headache complaints, and getting lower grades than usual.

The most common vision disorders that affect children these days are:

  • Strabismus, which affects babies and is caused because of poor eye muscle control
  • Amblyopia or Lazy Eye, which is caused by the disruption of the normal development of vision
  • Myopia or Short-sightedness, a refractive eye problem in which children cannot clearly see objects at a distance
  • Hyperopia or Long-sightedness, a refractive eye problem in which children cannot clearly see objects close to them
  • Astigmatism, an eye condition in which light entering the eye can do not focus correctly on the retina, resulting in blurred images.

Vision problems in children: Ayurvedic Treatment

According to Ayurveda, there are a number of herbs that can have beneficial effects on eye health. Ayurvedic experts use these herbs for the preparation of herbal formulations that enhance the health of the eyes by providing adequate nourishment.

Planet Ayurveda, a renowned herbal manufacturing company offers excellent herbal products, which can keep the eyes healthy and manage vision problems affecting children these days. These products are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs and other components, and are, therefore, completely safe to use.

Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products for managing vision disorders are:

Amalaki Rasayan

This herbal formulation is prepared from the pure standardized extract of the extremely beneficial ‘Amalaki’ herb (Emblica Officinalis). The herb is widely known in Ayurveda for its immense medicinal value, due to abundant amounts of vitamins, iron, minerals, calcium, antioxidants, and essential amino acids.

Amalaki Rasayan is useful in managing eye problems and several other disorders because of its ability to enhance eyesight, treat eye conditions, improve eye health, treat dryness, rejuvenate the body, and helps in balancing the Vata, Pitta and Kapha energies of the body.

Brahmi Chavanprash

Brahmi Chyawanprash is a jam-like herbal product prepared from a combination of some extremely potent herbs — including Brahmi (Bacopa monieri), Amla (Emblica officianalis), and several other herbs — which have proven properties for improving the body’s overall health.

The regular use of Brahmi Chyawanprash can be beneficial for enhancing vision in children because it can manage degenerative changes, nourish the eyes, keep the eyes healthy, treat eye problems, enhance the nervous system, and rejuvenate the body

Bilberry capsules

The preparation of these capsules involves the use of the Bilberry herb (Vaccinium myrtillus), which is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, magnesium, zinc, and iron; and is also abundant in antioxidants.

The Bilberry herb acts as a vasodilator — that is, it has the ability to open blood vessels and lower the high blood pressure. Since the eyes have a high concentration of blood capillaries, the herb can have immense nutritional benefits for the eyes.

The use of Bilberry capsules is beneficial for children affected with eye problems because the capsules can improve eyesight, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, maintain a healthy vision, and boost the production of the ‘rhodopsin’ pigment, which improves night vision and helps the eye adapt to changes in light.

Angel Eye Vitale capsules

These capsules are considered an excellent herbal supplement for treating eye disorders because they are rich in minerals and vitamins. Some of the key ingredients of these capsules include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc, copper, titanium dioxide, almond oil, grape seed oil, shea butter, and high oleic sunflower oil deodorized.

The use of these capsules can manage eye problems by providing proper nutrition to the eyes, reducing puffiness of the eyes, reducing dark circles under the eyes, and improving overall eye health.

Conclusion

Children diagnosed with vision impairment can benefit from the use of Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products. These products can support the overall development of children suffering from various vision disorders. The preparation of the products does not involve the use of any chemicals, preservatives, binders, fillers, artificial colors, or additives. However, it is advisable to use herbal products under the expert guidance of an experienced Ayurveda practitioner.