Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment In Ayurveda

According to ayurvedic theory, the progress of diabetic retinopathy is classified into three distinct stages which are described below:

The Primary stage – This stage is termed as the stage of Kapha Predominance. An ayurvedic science, it is called Netrabhyshyandha. Patients do not experience any considerable visual problems during this stage. Only experienced ophthalmologists would be able to identify the onset of diabetic retinopathy during this stage. Treatment procedures done during this stage are Sira Sodharanam, Nasyam, Kabalam and Gandoosham. These procedures are more preferred than ophthalmic applications during this stage of diabetic retinopathy

The secondary Stage – This stage is termed as the stage of pitta predominance – When the condition of diabetic retinopathy progresses to this stage, the patient would have experienced considerable visual problems and reach either an eye specialist or an ophthalmologist. Patient experience the following symptoms during this stage

• Vision Blurring
• Sudden decrease in vision
• Metamorphopsia
• Burning sensation in the eye

Coming to the treatment aspects in this stage of diabetic retinopathy, it needs to be noted that ere, pitta is the predominant dosha. Hence, Pitta samana chikitsa is the preferred line of treatment. Treatment procedures preferred are Shirodhara, Netra sekam, purambada , Aschotanam and thalam. Patients also need to follow strict dietary and habitual schedules. During this stage, medications alone would not be sufficient.

Even minor habits such as head bath, sleep, journey, oil application, need to be scheduled along with medicine and the schedule followed. These factors vary from person to person depending on the clinical stage of the disease. If treated correctly according to ayurvedic science, further complications and vision loss can be arrested at this stage

The Tertiary Stage – This stage of diabetic retinopathy is referred to as the stage of Tridosha predominance. It is also called as the stage of complications. If the secondary stage is not correctly handled, and the etiological factors continue, the condition progresses to this tertiary stage. Here, a strict line of treatment cannot be conveyed. It depends on the particular complication that has manifested for the patient. For example, if the complication is retinal detachment, vata predominant treatments are done. However, if there is neo-vascularization, pitta is considered more. If there is fluid accumulation, kapha is taken seriously according to ayurvedic science.

The ayurvedic treatment of diabetic retinopathy starts with the correct identification of the clinical stage of the disease as described above. At Matha Ayureda Eye Hospital, this is achieved by a three stage process. At first, patients undergo a detailed initial assessment. After the initial assessment, the required diagnostics are conducted by the doctors. Then patients meet with senior physician / Chief Physician, where is diagnosis is confirmed and a care plan is charted out. The care plan contains the duration of treatments, treatments proposed, medicines, duration and expected results. Patients are explained about the care plan in detail.