Ayurvedic treatment for Eales Disease

Eales disease (also known as periphlebitis retinae, perivasculitis of the retina, and Eales Retinopathy) is an eye disease which affects the retina of the eye.

The retina is the most sensitive part of the eyeball. The light rays reflecting from the external object after passing through the eyeball converge at a particular point on the retina. Then, a series of reactions gets initiated. These are photochemical changes, electrical changes and nervous changes. As a result of all these reactions, a nerve impulse gets formed. Sine the light rays are reflected from the object, these rays carry all the object’s details such as its size, shape, colour, etc. In short, the impulse formed in the retina represents the external object from which the light rays got reflected. Thus, the external object is converted into a biological factor inside the eye. Then, the optical nerve carries this impulse to the brain. In the brain, this nerve impulse gets transformed into actual visual sense. So any pathology of this part is capable of developing visual defects.

In the case of Eales disease, the retina’s blood vessels are affected. A particular type of inflammatory change develops and the vessel walls are damaged. The structure and texture of the vessel walls become defective and get destroyed. These indirectly affect the quality of blood flow also. In short, the blood circulation of the retina becomes vitiated.

According to the changes that develop on the retinal vessels, there will be different clinical conditions or clinical stages in Eales disease.

1. Congestion of the blood vessels
Most often, this is the very initial change that happens. The blood flow starts to become defective. There may not be significant visual defects in this stage. So itself, it may be unnoticed and untreated in this stage.

2. Blockages in the retinal vessels.
Since the blood flow becomes defective, blockages develop in the blood vessels, leading to further complications.

3. Hemorrhages
Here, leakages from the vessels happen. In mild conditions, tiny dots of blood are seen on the retina. But, in severe conditions, there is a possibility of vast haemorrhages. The bleeding may be in the retinal layers, and this condition is known as retinal haemorrhage. Sometimes, it may be into the vitreous fluid, and if so, it is known as vitreous haemorrhage. Both are difficult situations and affect the vision seriously.

4. Neovascularisation
Neovascularisation is the formation of new vessels. When there are blockages or any discontinuity to the blood flow due to bleeding, new vessels – collateral vessels will be developed from the proximal end. They will grow to the distal end to compensate for the blood supply. These collateral vessels will be very delicate and will again bleed easily.

5. Hypoxia
Deficiency of blood supply later develops the clinical condition known as hypoxia. Here, the area of the retina where there is no blood supply becomes anaemic and non-functioning.

Eales disease is a particular condition affecting the blood vessels of the retina, the innermost layer of the eye responsible for vision. This condition involves inflammation of the retinal blood vessels, leading to various pathological changes such as blockages, bleeding, and neovascularization.

Typically, young adults between the ages of 20 and 30, mainly males, are affected by Eales disease. Initial stages may not present significant visual defects, making it crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may include congestion of blood vessels or abnormal textures, indicating the need for ophthalmic examination.

In Ayurvedic treatment, Eales disease is associated with the vitiation of the pitta dosha, with kapha also playing a role. The treatment aims to control pitta vitiation and inflammation while promoting healing. Local ophthalmic medications, generalized treatment procedures, and oral medications are employed to achieve this goal.

Specialized treatment procedures like Netra Kriyakalpa are tailored for eye conditions, focusing on maximum absorption of medicinal properties. Sega, vitiligo, and ashodhana are among the suitable procedures for Eales disease. Medicines selected for treatment should aim to balance pitta and promote healing.

In advanced stages with hemorrhage or clot formation, treatment becomes more challenging, requiring expert intervention to arrest bleeding and drain clots. Success in treatment depends on timely diagnosis, careful observation, and the selection of appropriate treatment methods and medicines.

Overall, Ayurvedic treatment offers a high success rate in managing Eales disease when handled by experienced practitioners.