Diabetic retinopathy from the point of view of Ayurveda
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels, damaging the back of the eye (retina). It is considered to be the leading cause of vision loss.
Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can develop the condition. According to statistics, diabetic retinopathy affects up to 80% of all patients who have had diabetes for 10 years or more.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels cause retinal blood vessel damage. These blood vessels swell and leak, or they can close, stopping blood from passing through.
On the retina, abnormal new blood vessels can form. All of these changes have the potential to obstruct the vision. It may initially cause no symptoms or only minor vision problems. However, diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness.
In Ayurveda, diabetic retinopathy is called Madhumehajanya Timir or Dristipatalagata roga. This health complication involves all 3 doshas — Vata, Kapha, and Pitta.
How Ayurvedic doctors treat diabetic retinopathy
In Ayurveda, diabetic retinopathy is treated using Panchakarma therapies, such as Basti, Vamana, Virechana, Shodahan, and Shamana. Other natural herbal medicines are also used to treat this condition.
Ayurvedic treatment for diabetic retinopathy includes Shirolepa, Shirodhara, Nasya, Netra Trapna, Netra Dhara, Seka, Takradhara, Lepanam, and Siro Lepam. They are used according to the Ayurvedic doctor's plan of treatment.
On the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor, medications such as Trikatu churna, Amla Juice, bottle gourd and other Ayurvedic preparations may be prescribed.
Tips for effective Ayurvedic treatment of diabetic retinopathy
- Maintain an intermediate level of blood pressure in your body
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
- Follow a healthy diet
- Regularly wash your eyes with Triphala powder
- Apply sandalwood paste to your eyelids
Check the Ayurvedic treatment for other ophthalmology diseases:
Cataract, Conjunctivitis, Stye, Glaucoma, Myopia, Ophthalmology, Macular degeneration, Astigmatism, Hyperopia, Dry eye, Keratoconus, Squint (Strabismus), Pinguecula, Presbyopia, Eye allergies, Eye infections, Eye twitching, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Pterygium, Optic neuropathy.
