Diabetic Retinopathy - Ayurveda Treatments And Herbal Remedies

Introduction

Diabetic retinopathy is a common diabetic eye condition caused by changes in the retinal cells. People who suffer from diabetes for more than 10 years are chances to get affected with diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs due to blood vessel damages in the retina.

Diabetic retinopathy can be controlled to an extent if we follow proper remedies at the early stages itself.

Diabetic retinopathy is called Madhumehajanya Timir in Ayurveda. Diabetic retinopathy is a dristipatalagata roga and the main causes of Madhumehajanya Timir are the imbalances of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha. Consuming Pitta and Kapha dominant foods are another reason for Madhumehajanya Timir.

Stages Of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can be classified into four stages. They are Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy, Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy, Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy, and Proliferative Retinopathy.

• Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  The specialty of mild nonproliferative retinopathy is mild symptoms. Under this early stage, the retina will become weakened and blood vessels become bulging, and sometimes fluid leakages to the retina may result.

• Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy is the second stage of diabetic retinopathy. Structural changes in the retina appear due to deficient blood supply by blood vessels.

• Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy

  Blockage of blood vessels is the main symptom of Severe nonproliferative retinopathy. This is a type of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

• Proliferative Retinopathy

  Proliferative Retinopathy is the fourth stage under which the abnormal new blood vessels are developing in the retina. Sometimes the weakened vessels may burst and fluid leakages result in the retina. Such a condition causes vision loss.

There are four stages for Diabetic Retinopathy. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy, Moderate Nonproliferative Retinopathy, Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy, Proliferative Retinopathy

Symptoms Of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy can be triggered when you find the following symptoms.

• Weak vision.
• Blind spots in one eye or both eyes due to dark patches.
• Redness of the eye.
• Colour blindness.
• Double vision.
• Eye floaters.
• Pain in the eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy can be cured if we can identify the symptoms in an early stage. Pain in the eyes, redness in the eyes, blurred vision, double vision, color blindness, blind spots in the eyes, etc are the general symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Causes Of Diabetic Retinopathy

Most of the causes of Diabetic Retinopathy are our diet and the lifestyle we follow. Common causes of Diabetic retinopathy are,

• High glucose blood levels for long periods

  People who undergo high blood sugar for a long time have chances for Diabetic retinopathy because the small blood vessels in the retina get damaged. Such a condition seldom leads to swelling in the retina also.

• Smoking

  Smoking is hazardous to diabetic patients because cigarettes contain nicotine which makes the blood vessels harder and narrow. Such a condition disrupts the smooth blood flow around the body.

• Alcohol consumption

  Excessive alcohol consumption leads to oxidative damages to the retina.

• High cholesterol

  High cholesterol levels cause blockage of blood vessels or may lead to leakage of fat into the retina.

• High blood pressure

  High blood pressure leads to blockages of blood vessels or leakages in the retina.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, high glucose levels for a long period, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.

Ayurvedic Treatment Methods To Cure Diabetic Retinopathy

Ayurveda has various natural ways to control Diabetic Retinopathy. Common effective treatments are:

• Takra Dhara

  Takra Dhara treatment aims to control the increase of blood glucose level by reducing stress and anxiety.

• Siro Lepam

  Siro Lepam is a cooling Ayurvedic treatment where various herbal extracts are made into a paste form and applied to the patient's scalp. Then the head is covered with lotus leaves or banana leaves. This is a Vata shaman treatment for head and pitta saman treatment for eyes.

• Netra Dhara

  Netra Dhara is the process of pouring herbal medicines into the inner corners of the eyes.

• Netra Tharpana

  Netra Tharpana is an eye nourishing Ayurvedic treatment. Netra Tharpana aims to remove ama (toxins) and clears the eyes. The treatment cools the eyes as well as the brain. Netra Tharpana continues for five days and medicated Ghrita (ghee) is used for the treatment procedure.

• Virechana

  Virechana is a body detoxification Ayurvedic treatment. Virechana is one of the Panchakarma therapies that helps to collect ama (toxin), stores them in the small intestine, and eliminates them.

• Anjana

  Ayurveda suggests Anjana treatment for eye disorders. Anjana is usually applied on the lower palpebral conjunctiva and found very effective in treating Diabetic retinopathy.

• Aschyotana

  Aschyotana is a local therapeutic procedure usually done for the eye disorders. In this procedure, the medicated solution is applied into the conjunctival sac and the eyes of the patient will be open during treatment time.

• Lepanam

  Lepanam is the process of applying medicated ointment over the eyes.

• Siro Dhara

  Siro Dhara is the process of pouring medicated oil over the overhead. Siro Dhara rejuvenates eyes and improves vision.

Natural methods followed by Ayurveda to cure Diabetic retinopathy are Siro Dhara, Lepanam, Aschyotana, Anjana, Virechana, Siro Lepam, Takra Dhara, Netra Dhara, and Netra Tarpana. All these treatments strive to improve the vision naturally.

Herbal Remedies For Diabetic Retinopathy

Blood sugar management is the first and foremost treatment that can be done to control Diabetic Retinopathy. Herbal remedies are very effective in treating Diabetic Retinopathy and the herbs usually will get easily also. The following herbal usages that one can follow from home itself.

• Fenugreek seeds

  Fenugreek seed is good herbal medicine to treat high cholesterol levels and also enhances the overall health of vital organs in our body like the liver, kidney, heart, etc. High cholesterol levels are one of the reasons for Diabetic Retinopathy.

• Amla Juice

  Amla is rich in Vitamin A and C, folic acid, and minerals which were found very effective in treating Diabetic Retinopathy. Amla juice intake helps the body to get enough nutrients and is good for the health of the eyes.

• Bottle gourd Juice

  Bottle gourd is rich in Vitamin C and consuming a glass of Bottle gourd juice on an empty stomach is a very effective method in treating diabetic retinopathy. Bottle gourd juice can improve the eyesight of a person.

• Sandalwood paste

  Sandalwood paste has anti-inflammatory properties that help in preventing skin inflammations. Also applying sandalwood paste on the eyelids reduces pain from diabetic retinopathy. Always prefer original quality sandalwood for making the paste.

• Fennel seeds

  Fennel seed is rich in nutrients that automatically improve vision. Fennel seed contains antioxidants that help to reduce high cholesterol levels and prevents cataract symptoms.

• Parsley

  Parsley is rich in antioxidants that can improve vision naturally. Also, Parsley is rich in Vitamin C and lutein that helps to protect the macula from oxidation damage.

• Bilberry

  Bilberry is an effective herb in treating Diabetic retinopathy. The components of Bilberry are Vitamin A and C that will naturally improve the vision.

• Grape seed

  Grape seed extract contains procyanidins that have various health benefits like improves vision, supplies essential nutrients and prevents blood leakages from damaged vessels.

• Ginkgo Biloba

  Ginkgo Biloba herb is popular for its importance in treating diseases in the circulatory system. Ginkgo Biloba herb helps more blood supply to the retina.

• Quercetin

  Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many plants, some fruits, and vegetables. Quercetin prevents high blood pressure, prevents blood clots.

Some of the popular herbs that can control Diabetic retinopathy are Fenugreek seeds, Grape seed extracts, Ginkgo Biloba, Quercetin, Bilberry, Parsley, Fennel seed, Amla Juice, etc. All these herbs have natural nutrients that control Diabetic Retinopathy and improve the vision of the eyes.

Ahara (Diet Recommendations)

• Include more vegetables, fruits, fat-free dairy products, whole grains, etc in your diet.
• Control the level of sodium intake.
• Avoid excess fatty foods, sour foods, curd, dry meats, etc.

Vihara (Lifestyle Changes)

• Stop smoking.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
• Have regular eye exams with your doctor.
• Clean your eyes with fresh water every day.

Diabetic retinopathy can be reversible if we find the condition in the early stage itself. Also, take good care of our diet and lifestyle changes help to control Diabetic retinopathy as well as can improve our vision.

Conclusion

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition in which the blood vessels get damaged in the retina. There are various reasons for the occurrence of Diabetic retinopathy and through proper Ayurvedic treatments, we can prevent the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy.

All the information is collected from various Ayurvedic resources. Always get the advice of your Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any herbs or herbal treatments.

References

• Charaka Samhita