AYURVEDA HELPS IN OPTIC ATROPHY

AYURVEDA HELPS IN OPTIC ATROPHY

Optic atrophy

Optic Atrophy is the result of degeneration or damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve transports visual information from the eye, to an area of the brain where it is processed.

Symptoms of Optic atrophy

• Blurred vision
• Change in the optic disc
• Dimming of vision
• Reduction of the field of vision
• Contrast sensitivity can be affected.
• Poor constriction of the pupil in light
• Decreased brightness in one eye relative to the other

 Causes of Optic atrophy

• Inherited
• Brain injury
• Glaucoma
• Optic neuritis
• Toxic or nutritional optic neuropathy
• Vascular disorders

 Risk factors of Optic atrophy

• Diseases of the brain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Radiation

Diagnosis of Optic atrophy

Optic nerve atrophy can be diagnosed on complete examination of the eyes. It may require a complete physical examination and specific tests. Molecular genetic testing is available to confirm the diagnosis of dominant optic atrophy. ECG should be done to diagnose occult cardiac conduction defects.

Precautions and Prevention of Optic atrophy

Facial injuries can be prevented by standard safety precautions:

Use seat belt when traveling

Avoid alcohol consumption

Prognosis of Optic atrophy

Optic atrophy is believed to be an end-stage disease and therefore, it is important to initiate treatment at the earliest possible in order to limit the damage to the optic nerve.

Treatment of Optic atrophy

There is currently no treatment for optic atrophy in the modern system of medicine.

Ayurveda treatment for Optic atrophy

Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be successfully utilized to treat optic atrophy. Ayurveda for Optic atrophy is aimed at preserving vision, slowing down or reversing the degeneration in the retina and optic nerve and treating the cause, if known. While this is a slow process, improvement for the patient is definite, with most affected individuals reporting improvement within three to six months.  Significant improvement of vision in individuals affected with optic atrophy is reported within six to nine months of regular treatment.

Ayurvedic medicines for Optic atrophy

• Tapyadi loha
• Punarnavadi mandur
• Saptamrit loha
• Panch tikta ghrita guggul
• Punarnavadi guggul
• Maha Triphala ghrita
• Vat Gajankush rasa
• Mahavatavidhwans rasa
• Rakta Pachaka vati
• Triphala churna
• Vidaryadi kashayam
• Dhanadanayanadi kashayam
• Suvarna parpati
• Suvarna malini vasant
• Abhrak bhasma

Herbs helpful in Optic atrophy

• Amalaki
• Haritaki
• Bibhitaki
• Yashtimadhu
• Tulsi
• Mandukaparni
• Shatavari
• Punarnava
• Patola
• Sariva
• Paatha
• Musta
• Guduchi

Panchakarma therapies for Optic atrophy

Akshi tharpanam
This is a cleaning process of the eyes, which gives a cooling effect, preventing eye diseases and strengthening the optic nerve. It is used for patients with risk of complete loss of eye vision with special herbal clarified butter (ghee) like Maha Triphala ghritam, Jeevanthyadi ghritam, Anantha ghritam, etc. The entire procedure is repeated at specific intervals and is believed to help in preserving vision in the eyes, strengthening and promoting regeneration of the optic nerve.

Raktamokshanam

It is believed to help in optic atrophy by blood-letting from the skin around the eyes with the application of leeches.

Siro vasthy

In Shirobasti process, a long leather cap, open at the top, is fitted around the patient's head. Through the top opening, warm herbal medicated oils are poured on to the head. The oil is retained for a specific period. This procedure is highly useful in cases of Optic atrophy.

Nethra dhara

This process includes washing of the eyes with freshly prepared medicated decoctions like Darvyadi ksheera kashayam for strengthening the optic nerve.

Sirodhara

In this treatment special medicated oil is poured on the forehead and head continuously. The medicated oil is customized according to the patient’s ailment. Sirodhara with oils like Bhujangapathra thailam, Ashwagandha thailam, etc. helps to tune up the brain and benefits the optic nerve.

Diet chart for Optic atrophy

• Eat fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, cherries
• Eat green vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach and turnip tops
• Eat root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, carrot, onions, and beetroots
• Eat nuts, dried fruits, and dairy products

 Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus provide significant improvement in the management of people affected with optic atrophy.  Benefits from this therapy need to be well documented and universally publicized, so that maximum number of affected people at the global level can take advantage of this system of medicine.

(P.S: As every human being is different according to Ayurveda, all have different cures. So, kindly consult us or an Ayurveda doctor before taking any herbal medicines.)

This post is written by Dr.Jaina Patwa who is a Chief Ayurvedic practitioner based at Vile Parle, Mumbai, India. She is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant on Skype. Skype ID - vishwacare

VishwaCARE offers Ayurvedic treatment globally for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr.Jaina Patwa uses high quality organic herbal extracts which are easy to take, effective and completely safe for long-term use.