Ayurvedic treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

Matha was the first ayurvedic hospital to chart out a new direction in ayurvedic treatment of diabetic retinopathy, which is now widely accepted and followed by all the ayurvedic physicians treating diabetic retinopathy.

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Diabetic Retinopathy Ayurvedic Treatment At Matha

Matha was the first ayurvedic hospital to chart out a new direction in ayurvedic treatment of diabetic retinopathy, which is now widely accepted and followed by all the ayurvedic physicians treating diabetic retinopathy.

Eye treatments at Matha have methods to preserve existing eyesight for diabetic retinopathy conditions. DR is caused due to prolonged high blood glucose levels. In diabetic eye disease, abnormal blood vessels develop that can break, bleed, and leak fluid. Sometimes tiny bulges called microaneurysms may protrude from the vessel walls. This leads to leakage or oozing of fluid and blood into retina. This fluid causes edema in the central part of macula leading to diabetic macular edema. Regaining the lost ability to see depends on the clinical stage when a patient starts treatment. It is always important for a patient to start treatment as early as possible. It is also very important to maintain blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholestrol levels. ayurveda treatment for diabetic retinopathy takes around 14 to 16 days. The clinical-stage when medications are started is a very crucial factor. know more about ayurveda treatments for diabetic retinopathy.

Systematic ayurvedic cure for diabetic retinopathy has three benefits:

  • It prevents the onset
  • It preserves the existing vision
  • It regains lost vision.

The stage when a patient starts treatment is very crucial. The outcome of treatment depends on it. This condition develops in anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Type 1, is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is characterized by beta-cell destruction. It leads to absolute insulin deficiency. On the other hand, Type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance. This may be due to an insulin secretory defect that may lead to relative insulin deficiency. The longer a person has diabetes and the less controlled his blood sugar is more likely are his chances to develop this eye complication. Diabetes mellitus destructs tissue surrounding the retina, including optic nerves. Retinopathy impairs optic nerves by damaging its conduction as well as integrity.Earlier the treatment, better the results. Matha had identified Diabetic Retinopathy as a core focus area right from its inception. Matha is the first ayurvedic treatment centre to introduce a protocol for the specialized screening, prevention, and treatment program for diabetic retinopathy.

ayurvedic treatment for diabetic retinopathy - infogrphics

Systematic ayurvedic cure for diabetic retinopathy

Eye treatments at Matha have methods to preserve existing eyesight for diabetic retinopathy conditions. Matha is the first ayurvedic treatment centre to introduce a protocol for the specialized screening, prevention, and treatment program for diabetic retinopathy.

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Our facilities are designed and built for middle class Indian patients.

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Matha is not a research Institute. We do not conduct research on our patients.

We prepare herbal medications in our own GMP certified manufacturing unit.

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There are two typical types of retinopathy. They are Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR)

NPDR (Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy) is milder than PDR. Here, the blood vessels become congested. The blood flow slows down. Vessel walls become thickened most by deposits. Changes to properties of the vessel wall contribute to this thickening. Blockages also develop in the blood flow. This develops Branch retinal venous occlusion (BRVO) or Branch artery occlusion. Here, high cholesterol (hypercholesteremia) is also an extra contributing factor. This occlusion may also happen in the central retinal artery. This specific condition is Central retinal artery occlusion. If it happens in the central retinal vein, it is central retinal venous occlusion (CRVO).

CRVO is very serious and the patient may feel a sudden loss of vision. In NPDR, there will be a tendency for small haemorrhages. Small dots and blots of haemorrhages are also seen in most cases. Here, there is an involvement of Kapha also. Actually, Kapha is vitiating pitta and raktha.

The very characteristic properties of Kapha increases. These are Snigdha, guru, pichila etc. and this, in turn, affect pitta. Hence, the characteristic properties of pitta get damaged. The Sara and Drava properties of pitta and raktha become decreased. So, the changes mentioned above develop. Sedentary lifestyles, lack of exercise, and excessive sleep increase the properties of Kapha. Daytime sleep, excessive intake of curd, deep-fried items, etc. also increases Kapha. Vitiation of pitta happens by this Kapha and thereby raktha. This affects consistency and the free flow of blood. There will be deposits on blood vessels and blockages in the veins or arteries of the retina. Here, treatment aims to control Kapha dominance and protect the properties of pitta. Moderate physical exercise (other than head down postures) is very good. Using suitable oil for head massage and nasal drops etc are very good.

Doctors use medicines in the form of Eyewash and eye drops. Triphala, Yashti, Darvi etc are very good for the preparation of eyewash and drops. In diet, avoid all types of heavy and oily food. Instead, add Steamed vegetables, leafy vegetables, sprouted pulses. Systematic ayurvedic management protects against visual impairment in this stage. But it should be by an expert hand only.

PDR (Proliferative diabetic retinopathy)

In PDR, there will be leakages and haemorrhages from the blood vessels of the retina. In severe conditions, it may penetrate into the vitreous (vitreous haemorrhage). Here, the vitreous fluid also becomes spoiled. As a result of vast haemorrhage, there will be hypoxia (anemia) of the retina. These damages the function of retinal cells. New collateral blood vessels may develop to compensate for the hypoxia. This condition is neovascularization. But these blood vessels may be very weak leading to easy bleeding. This makes the situation worse.

In PDR, there will be blood clot deposits on the retina. Here, pitta and raktha are the dominant factors. Factors that increase the properties of pitta is capable of developing this stage. Examples are working on laptop and mobile screen for a long time. Working late nights and lack of sleep also support the development of this stage. Exposure to bright light or sunlight is also dangerous. Exposure to excessive travel, especially in sunlight, etc. are not good.

In food habits, hot and spicy items are the worst. Deep-fried items, sour tasted items such as pickles are contributing factors. Pitta prakriti patients are more susceptible to PDR. External factors such as summer days, windy days, are also contributing factors. Even mental stress and strain are capable of developing PDR in a diabetic patient. There are situations when an NPDR can evolve to PDR. One instance is when NPDR takes more pitta dominant food items. Another instance is when an NPDR patient undergoes the above explained habitual factors.

Maculopathy is a condition where pathological changes get concentrated in the macular area. In maculopathy, there will be the encroachment of blood vessels to the macular area. Bleeding to the macula is also common. When there is an accumulation of edema fluid in the macular area, it becomes macular edema. Deposits in the macula is another common pathological change. Maculopathy is very very serious and vision loss is almost inevitable if not treated in time. In PDR, the foremost aim of management is to arrest the bleeding. For this, total physical rest is necessary. Never go for heavy physical exercise as a part of diabetic control. This is very important. Adopt only very mild and selective postures as per the direction of an expert. Avoid exposure to bright light and focus on light sources. Selective oil for head massage is very good.

The drugs used for the medication of this oil should have pitta samana properties. This is to control the dominance of pitta. Amla, useera, Chandana, yashti etc are examples. Among food items, avoid too sour tasted items. Too many spicy items are also dangerous. Fleshy and watery vegetables such as cucumber are preferable. Use Protein-rich vegetables and sprouted spices. Natural Cold drinks such as amla water are good for drinking purposes. Water boiled with useera, dry amla is also very good.

Here, systematic level ayurvedic treatment is necessary. Sirodhara, sirolepanam, netrasekam, vitalakam, etc are the treatment procedures. The medicines for these procedures should be very selective. An experienced ayurvedic ophthalmologist can decide it for you. This will help to protect your eyes and vision.

Three stages in ayurveda treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Matha was the first ayurvedic hospital to chart out a new direction in ayurvedic treatment of diabetic retinopathy, which is now widely accepted and followed by all the ayurvedic physicians treating diabetic retinopathy.

The first stage of diabetic retinopathy starts as a complication of diabetes mellitus. It has no warning signs before onset. Proactive diabetic patients undergo regular eye checkups. Even if they have no sight problems. This helps to identify symptoms even before the start of loss of visual perception. We have identified the initial symptoms of retinopathy from past treatment experiences. Mild headache and eye strain while reading is main among them. Strain while working on the computer and watching T.V come next. Fullness is a warning sign. So is the heaviness of head and eye, particularly in the early morning. Hypersensitivity to bright light and watering of the eyes are also typical symptoms. Getting the opportunity to start treatment at this early stage is valuable. It helps prevent the disease altogether. Matha follows proven ayurvedic treatments for diabetic retinopathy in this stage. According to ayurvedic science, this is the initial stage of Kapha predominance. It is also known as Nethrabhyshyandha. The line of treatment is sira-sodhanam. Treatments like Nasyam, Gandoosham, kablam, etc. are more preferable than ophthalmic applications.

The second stage of diabetic retinopathy happens if it is not controlled during the first stage. Extend of this progress depends on the various contributing factors, described earlier. From our experience, there are typical symptoms at this stage also. They are blurring of eyesight and metamorphopsia. Burning sensation in the eye and photophobia are also seen. The primary pathological change seen in this stage is the dilation of vessels. Retinal vessels become congested. Blockages happen in the microvascular system of the retina. Retinal edema, hemorrhages, exudates, and neovascular changes are also common. Treatments starting in the third stage concentrate on two distinct aspects. A primary aim is to preserve and protect the existing ability to see. The second aim is to regain lost vision. According to Ayurveda, pitta is the predominant dosha in this stage. Pittasamana must be the line of treatment. The treatments done are Sirodhara, netrasekam, vitalakam aschotanam, and thalam. Strict dietary restrictions are also needed. Medication and diet control are not enough at this stage. Other precautions and care are also needed. For e.g., habitual factors like head bath, sleep, journey and abhyanga oil application. Only an experienced ayurvedic ophthalmologist can do it. Systematic treatment at this stage avoids further vision loss and complications. Matha has successful treatments to protect the eyesight of affected patients.

Ayurveda treatment for diabetic retinopathy is a very wise mix of preventive and curative measures. during the first and second stages.

In the third stage, patients experience severe problems. Macular hole, retinal detachment, and other degenerative changes are main among them. The disease has now turned to a complication. This happens when retinopathy is not treated in the second stage. Continuation of etiological factors is another reason for proceeding to the third stage. Now, a strict line of treatment is not possible. Ayurveda treatment for diabetic retinopathy varies according to complications. For e.g., Retinal detachment can happen when abnormal blood vessels associated with diabetic retinopathy stimulate the growth of scar tissue, which pull the retina away from back of eye. For complications of detachment, treatment is on a Vata predominant approach. Pitta is an important treatment consideration for neo-vascularisation. For fluid accumulation, Kapha is the primary treatment factor. Systematic and high-level ayurvedic treatments are to be tailor-made for each specific complication. Confirmation of expected results happens only after a detailed assessment of the patient.

Will I need to repeat my ayurvedic treatment for diabetic retinopathy after getting discharged?

The Preventive approach towards diabetic retinopathy

A preventive approach is the best ayurveda treatment for diabetic retinopathy. With each passing stage, the hurdles in treatment keep on increasing. For e.g., there are many advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy. Proliferative retinopathy is one among them. Here, circulation problems deprive the retina of oxygen. As a result, new, fragile blood vessels can begin to grow in the retina and into the vitreous gel that fills back of the eye.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I am a diabetic patient. Four months back, there was a sudden loss of sight in one eye. Immediately went to an eye specialist. He told me that this is a vitreous hemorrhage. As per the doctor's advice, I underwent laser treatment. There was a relief. After two months, the same repeated. This time, the doctor told a simple laser will not work out. Surgery is necessary. Why is it so? Can I avoid surgery by ayurvedic methods?

According to the Ayurvedic approach, this is a Pitta predominant pathological condition. This condition is that of the eye. By appropriate treatment procedures, you can we can protect eyes from further deterioration.

I am a diabetic for the last 5 years and it is under control. I used to go for eye checkups. To date, my eyes are perfect. But I have heard of ophthalmic complications of diabetes. Are there any preventive measures so that I can keep my eyes intact?

You are thinking in the right way. Of course, there are methods to protect your vision.

I am a diabetic patient. There is a little blurring while looking at objects. Is it a serious problem?

At present, it is not a serious problem. But it may lead to a serious condition if left untreated. There are ayurvedic treatments for diabetic retinopathy and to control this condition.

I am a diabetic patient. I am also suffering from diabetic nephropathy. There was a sudden blurring when looking at people. When I went for a checkup, the doctor told that there is bleeding in the retina. They suggested laser treatment. I am afraid of the laser. Is it dangerous? Is there any alternative in Ayurveda?

I am not a person to comment on Laser treatment. But in my practical experience, I can say that it is not dangerous. In Ayurveda, there are treatments to prevent retinal hemorrhage. Laser treatment seals the point of bleeding. But Ayurvedic treatments maintain the blood circulation through the vessels. So, there is a minimal tendency for bleeding.

I am diabetic for the last 20 years, and suffering from diabetic neuropathy also. 2 years back, there was blurring in one eye which increased over time. Twice, I underwent laser treatment. 5 months back, surgery was also done, but, even after all these, that eye is blind. Recently, when I went for a check-up, the doctor told me that the other eye also is also affected. I was very much afraid. Is there any treatment in Ayurveda for protecting my other eye?

Systematic Ayurveda treatment procedures can protect your better eye. Such treatments can also save the existing eyesight.

I am a diabetic patient having diabetic retinopathy (DR). I underwent Laser treatment four times. Even after that, eyesight is decreasing. Is there any treatment in Ayurveda?

Yes, there is treatment in Ayurveda. But a systematic approach is necessary. It includes restrictions in dietary and other habitual factors. You must undergo systematic treatment procedures such as Shirodhara, Netra tharpanam, etc. Pittasamana and chakshushya drugs are the medicine of choice for your condition.

I am diabetic for the last 25 years and under insulin therapy. I am having complications of diabetic neuropathy along with that of diabetic retinopathy for the last 8 years. I had hemorrhages several times in my eyes. I underwent Laser treatment 5 times in each eye. The last laser completed 3 months back. But this time, even after laser, the vision has not at all improved. Now the doctor is suggesting surgery. From his description, I understood that it is risky and there is no guarantee for the result. So I don’t like to undergo the surgery. I wish to have an ayurveda treatment.

I don’t think that surgery can save your sight. There is no guarantee of a complete cure in Ayurveda also. But, ayurvedic methods will not have any adverse effects. Instead, you can expect betterment only. Anyways, I hope you can live with medicine with eye sight under the guidance of Ayurveda.

I am a diabetic retinopathy patient. My visual acuity in the right eye is 6/60 in the right eye and 6/36 in the left eye. I underwent Laser treatment 3 times in the right eye and 2 times in the left eye. Is laser having any side effects? I am not interested in repeating the same treatment since my ability to see is not getting improved. Is there any alternative in Ayurveda?

Laser is a very advanced technology and so you need not be afraid of it. But, it is not the last word in your case. There are possibilities in Ayurveda. Systematic and scientific ayurvedic procedures can protect your eyes from deteriorating.

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Matha has three hospitals in Trivandrum. You can opt for any one of our hospitals, rooms will be provided based on availability.

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Matha Ayurveda Eye Hospital & Panchakarma Centre

Near Civil Station, Jayaprakash Ln, Kudappanakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695043

Reception: 04712731352

Matha Ayurveda Eye Hospital & Panchakarma Centre

Eye Hospital Road (Moongode - Meppukada Road), Moongode P O Near, Thachottukavu, Kerala 695573

Reception: 9562997799

Matha Ayurveda Eye Hospital - Eighteenth Stone

Near Tholicode, Trivandrum, 695541

Phone: 9847057575

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