Ayurvedic Treatment for Keratoconus

The condition where the cornea of the eyeball becomes conical is referred to as Keratoconus. The natural shape of the eyeball is spherical. Patients suffer from Keratoconus due to one of the following factors:

• Congenital – By Birth
• Acquired – Developed later after birth

The main reason for this condition is widely accepted to be the progressive thinning of the cornea. The curvature of the cornea of our eyes has an important role in refraction. It is this refraction that helps to focus the light rays on the retina and maintains the normal vision. Hence, defects in the shape will create visual problems. This condition CANNOT be corrected either with spectacles (glass) or contact lens.

According to ayurvedic science, this condition is diagnosed as the vitiation of Vata. This vitiation affects the cornea. Hence, for ayurvedic treatment of keratoconus, Vata Samana treatment procedures are selected. The major milestones during the treatment plan of keratoconus from an ayurvedic perspective are as follows:

• Strengthening the cornea, and hence to prevent it from bulging outwards. This step will help to maintain the normal shape.
• Improving the functional capacity of the visual organ. This will include the nervous system, which will help to improve the vision.