Macular degeneration from the point of view of Ayurveda
The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for eyesight, which we use when reading, writing, recognizing faces, etc.
Macular degeneration or age-related macular dystrophy is an eye condition that causes blurred or reduced central vision, due to thinning of the macula, and damage to the retina's central portion.
There are two types of macular degeneration :
- Wet type — overgrowth of blood vessels in the central area of the retina (macula) that leak fluid and blood. It causes irreversible damage to the macular region.
- Dry type (atrophic) — lipids (fatty proteins) accumulate under the retina and grow bigger, causing vision loss. About 90% of macular degeneration cases are atrophic.
Both types of disease can occur in people, and the disease can affect one or both eyes.
Macular degeneration is the third leading cause of blindness in the world, following cataract and glaucoma. The main risk factor is aging.
Other risk factors may include tobacco use, genetic tendencies, the degree of pigmentation (light colored eyes are at higher risk), arterial hypertension, and ultraviolet rays.
According to Ayurveda, the main causes of macular degeneration are Vata, Kapha, and Pitta dosha imbalances.
How Ayurvedic doctors treat macular degeneration
Shaalakya tantra is the Ayurvedic branch that deals with eye diseases. Drishti dosha is the Ayurvedic term for eye defects. Although macular degeneration is incurable, Ayurvedic treatment provides immediate and relief and aids in effective symptom management.
Ayurvedic macular degeneration treatment is risk-free. It promotes glutathione production and provides strong antioxidant support for the macula.
Ayurvedic treatments for macular degeneration include Netra Tarpanam, Shirodhara, Lepanam, Netradhara, and Nasyam.
Triphala Ghrita, Amalaki, Yashtimadhu, Bhringaraj, Saptamrit lauh, Amalaki Rasayana, Tulsi (Basil), Spirulina, and Punarnava are Ayurvedic medical formulations for Macular degeneration.
The need for and duration of any procedure, as well as the recommended Ayurvedic preparations, are determined by the Ayurvedic doctor following the diagnosis of a medical condition.
Tips for effective Ayurvedic treatment of macular degeneration
- Include ghee, milk, rock salt, and honey in your diet
- Avoid sour foods, dry meat, alcohol, sea fish, curd, tobacco, excessively hot and fatty foods
- Properly clean your eyes everyday
- Get enough sleep on a regular basis
- Practice yoga
- Rinse your eyes with rosewater
- Practice sun salutation regularly
- Drink amla and carrot juice
Check the Ayurvedic treatment for other ophthalmology diseases:
Cataract, Conjunctivitis, Stye, Glaucoma, Myopia, Ophthalmology, Diabetic Retinopathy, Astigmatism, Hyperopia, Dry eye, Keratoconus, Squint (Strabismus), Pinguecula, Presbyopia, Eye allergies, Eye infections, Eye twitching, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Pterygium, Optic neuropathy.
