Ayurvedic treatment for Age-related Macular Degeneration

ARMD or Age-related macular degeneration is a degenerative condition of the Macula, mostly seen above the age of 50, that is caused by hardening of the small arteries supplying oxygen and nutrients to the Retina. The hardening and narrowing of these arteries deprive the Macula of oxygen and nutrition. This results in a slow but progressive loss of function.

Symptoms.

Symptoms are few and far in between, as far as ARMD is concerned, other than a gradual loss of grip on vision. The main damage is to the central vision of the eye, and blurry vision is the chief symptom. There is also a marked difference in the perception of “brightness”. There are two types of ARMD, Dry and Wet. Dry ARMD is the most common, main symptom being the loss of central vision, and this happens chiefly due to the gradual breaking down of the light-sensitive cells in the macula. Wet ARMD is a comparatively more serious condition which is manifested due to the new blood vessels in the macula leaking blood and fluids into the macular environment.

Treatment and medicines as per Itoozhi Ayurveda.

As with every other Ayurveda treatment, and specifically the ailments of the eye, a complete diagnosis and treatment regimen can only be decided upon after a one-to-one interaction by the Ayurveda physician. With regards to Dry ARMD, it is always a combination of Snehapana, Nasya, Anjana, Moordha Taila, Tharpana and Snehavasti Rasayana that is advised. For the more serious and debilitating Wet ARMD, Itoozhi Ayurveda would recommend Snehapana, Sirolepam, Sirodhara, Pratimarsha nasya, Anjana, Tharpana and Rasayana in effectively healing, and checking the degeneration of the macular system.