Diabetic Retinopathy - The role of Panchakarma in treatment

अहितादशनात्सदा निवृत्ति। र्भृशभास्वच्च लसूक्ष्मवीक्षणाच्च। परमं रक्षणमीक्षणस्य पुंसाम्।। (वा0 उत्तर 13/100) Eating an unhealthy diet or minutely watching shiny, fleeting, microscopic objects can harm the eyes. Avoid these to keep your vision strong.

In Ayurveda, Diabetic Retinopathy is known as Madhumehaj Dristipatal. In a diabetic person, the nerves that supply blood to the retina becomes weak and fails to supply blood. With the passage of time, this can lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the world.

How does Diabetes Affect Vision?

The retina is a thin, light sensitive membrane which is necessary for the perception of vision. There are minute blood vessels on the retina which are essential for proper functioning of the eye. When blood sugar increases these minute blood vessels rupture, leading to bleeding, swelling in the retina and loss of sight. As the problem proceeds, new blood vessels are developed, but since these are weak there is always a chance of them rupturing and causing blindness.

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy:

• Frequent eye infections

• Increasing prescription lens power

• Bleeding in the retina

• Cataracts

• Sudden severe headaches

• Sudden decrease in eye sight

• Vision problem in the morning

• Floaters in the field of vision

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:

The first stage is Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and the second phase is proliferative retinopathy. In this stage the retinal vessels become damaged. This is the initial stage of the disease in which the symptoms are not clearly evident. In some patients the blood vessels in the centre rupture and bleed and may cause blindness.

The second and advanced stage is called Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy which causes bleeding and proliferation of new vessels that prevent the flow of oxygen to the lens or dislocate the lenses.

Ayurveda has effective treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy. With the help of ocular Panchakarma, personalized medicines and exercises this problem can be treated.

Tips to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy:

• Keep your blood sugar level under control.

• If you observe darkness or severe vision problem, consult doctor immediately

• Increase Vitamin A in your diet

• Add leafy greens to your diet

• Black grapes and raisins are beneficial

• Indian gooseberry, Trriphala and gram flour are helpful for the eye

• Neem bark powder, 1 teaspoon