An Ayurvedic Management of Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is defined as change in the retina observed within patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. Diabetic retinopathy appears to be an eye disease which can result in vision loss as well as blindness in diabetes. There is a strong correlation between the duration of diabetes, blood glucose and blood pressure with degree of diabetic retinopathy. In modern medicine it can be controlled by early diagnosis and other management protocols like anti–VEGF drug therapy, laser photo coagulation which can have some side effects. Diabetic retinopathy fundus picture shows characteristics features include micro aneurysms dot and blot haemorrhages hard exudates and new vessels proliferation. In Ayurveda we can treat diabetic retinopathy with the treatment principle of Urdhwaga raktapitta. For this case study a patient with diabetic retinopathy was selected from Shalakya tantra [Netra] OPD. He presented with complaints of gradual, painless blurriness of vision associated with floaters and curtain obscuring the field of vision since 1 and a half month. Diagnosis was made through on the basis of posterior segment examination where hemorrhages, micro aneurysms and neovascularization. The Ayurvedic management include Virechana, Nasya, along with systemic administration of drugs which alleviate vitiated Pitta and Rakta. After the treatment marked improvement was noted after the fundoscopic examination. Through the Ayurvedic management the progression of diabetic retinopathy can be controlled.