Optic neuropathy from the point of view of Ayurveda

Optic neuropathy is a condition that affects the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting impulses or signals from the eye to the brain. This condition can lead to vision problems, such as blindness.

There are numerous causes of optic atrophy, including poor blood flow, which is known as ischemic optic neuropathy, infections such as toxoplasmosis, ocular herpes, various viral infections — sinusitis, neurological disorders, and exposure to toxins such as tobacco and methyl alcohol.

The following are types of optic atrophy:

Primary optic atrophy. Optic nerve fibers die and are replaced by glia cells without changing the structure of the optic nerve, resulting in a white retinal disc rather than a pink-yellow retinal disc.

Secondary optic atrophy. The optic nerve fiber degenerates due to excessive proliferation and invasion of glia tissue, which significantly alters the appearance of the area around the retina in eye exams.

Consecutive optic atrophy. High myopia, retinitis pigmentosa, and other conditions can cause the retina to become waxy or pale, resulting in the loss of surrounding arteries.

Glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma-related high eye pressure.

Circulatory atrophy. A lack of blood flow to the optic nerve causes it.

The Ayurvedic treatment for optic nerve damage is determined by the cause of the condition. The goal of Ayurvedic optical atrophy treatment is to preserve vision, slow or prevent degeneration of the retina and optic nerve, and eliminate the cause.

How Ayurvedic doctors treat optic neuropathy

Ayurvedic treatments include the following:

Akshitharpanam — procedure for cleaning the eyes that use special herbal clarified butter (ghee) to strengthen the optic nerve.

Raktamokshanam — the procedure involves drawing blood from the skin around the eyes and applying leeches to the wound.

Shirobasti — during the procedure, a long cap with an open-top is wrapped around the patient's head. Warm herbal medicated oils are poured onto the head through the top opening.

Nethradhara — during the procedure, eyes are washed with freshly prepared medicated decoctions. These decoctions help to strengthen the optic nerve.

Ayurveda also provides natural medicines in conjunction with a variety of treatments. The amount of use and required therapies are determined by the Ayurvedic doctor.