Age related Macular Degeneration & Ayurveda

The eyes are said to be most important than all other Indriyas. They are considered as the reflectors of the mind. As eyes are the gateways of external world, visual defects tantamount to the obliteration of the world.

Old age brings along with it many problems regarding vision and eye sight. Cataract and glaucoma are some of the most common ailments that affect your eyesight with age. There are retinal disorders that often cause severe vision loss upto blindness in elder persons resulting from Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).  

Age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is an age associated chronic eye disease and is a very common cause of reduced vision among older individuals over the age of 55 years. The condition is characterized by degeneration of light-sensing cells of the central region of the retina and the macula, which malfunction and eventually die, resulting in a gradual decline and loss of central vision, while peripheral vision is retained.

An age more than 55, smoking, obesity, female gender, and a family history, are risk factors for this condition.

AMD can be either wet or dry. In wet (neovascular or exudative) AMD, abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. Bleeding in these blood vessels can cause rapid loss in vision. In dry (atrophic) AMD, the light sensitive cells in the macula break down slowly and cause a gradual loss in central vision.

While exact information on Ayurvedic interpretation of retinal or macular degeneration is not evident, the closest reference to vision failure due to degeneration of macula or retina appears in the context of Drishtigata roga.

The symptoms of ARMD can be correlated to the disease described by our classical text is Vatika thimira upto some extent.

  The Ayurvedic treatment of AMD is aimed at preserving vision and preventing further damage to the eye. Basic principle for treatment for ARMD is Brimhana therapy along with considering the involvement of other doshas pitta and kapha. Dietary supplements may also helps in slow progression of the disorder. Rasayana therapy useful to prevent the progression the diseases. Incorporate dark leafy green vegetables into your diet, Quit smoking, Exercise regularly are the measures to stop worsening of the disease.

Though visual problems are inevitable in old age, we can prevent them from getting worse.