Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY WITH INTRARETINAL HEMORRHAGE - A CASE REPORT

Dr. Supriya G.* and Dr. S. M. Pasha

.

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is becoming a global epidemic and is now one of the top causes of vision loss globally. Diabetes increases the risk of a range of eye diseases, but the main cause of blindness associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR). DR damages blood vessels inside the retina at the back of the eye. It commonly affects both Eyes and can lead to vision loss if it is not treated. The treatment of modern system of medicine, focal laser therapy, antivascular growth factor drugs. These treatment modalities have side effects, so in such disorders. Ayurveda is very effective in such complicated disorders. Methods and Materials: 55 yrs old diabetic patient since 10 yrs complaining of blurred Vision attending shalakya OPD of NIA, was chosen having signs of retinal hemorrhages. Regular weekly visit was done for 1 month in hospital. Result: Vasakadi kwath seems to have role in controlling hemorrhages found in diabetic retinopathy. Visual acuity improved from 6/60 to 6/24 in right eye and from 6/12 to 6/9 in left eye in 1 month. Discussion: The drugs selected here should be vata pacifying, as well as pitta shamaka with rakta prasadka properties that help in healing and reducing the symptoms that are caused especially due to ocular hemorrhages. Introduction: Acharya Chanakya's quote from Arthashastra highlights the importance of the eyes (netra) as the most prominent among all sense organs. " " In ancient literature, the eyes are considered a reflection of one's mind, nature, and overall wellbeing. The eyes play a crucial role in our ability to perceive, interpret, and enjoy the world around us. In the context of gaining knowledge (jnanotpatti), the eyes (Chakshurindriya) are the first point of contact for acquiring knowledge through direct perception (Pratyaksha Pramana). However, obstacles (pratyaksha baadhaka hetus) can hinder this process, either externally or internally through various eye diseases (Darshanarodha) that can cause vision loss or blindness. Diabetes mellitus is indeed a growing global health concern, and is now one of the top causes of vision loss globally. Diabetes increases the risk of a range of eye diseases and Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. DR is predominantly a microangiopathy, which damages small blood vessels inside the retina, which are particularly vulnerable to damage from high glucose levels. The modern medical system's treatments, such as focal laser therapy and anti-vascular growth factor drugs, can help manage DR but often come with side effects. Inclusion of Prameha among the eight major disorders in Charaka Samhita shows the importance of the disease given by ancient seers. But there is no direct mentioning of DR in Ayurveda. Considering the signs/symptoms can be correlated with Timira. Pujyapada Muni in his work “Netra Prakashika” explains Timira as the Upadrava of Madhumeha. Methods and materials: A 51year old male diabetic patient since 3 years complaining of blurring of vision since 6 months attending Shalakya OPD of GAMC, Bengaluru was chosen having signs retinopathy of diabetic origin with retinal haemorrhages. Patient was admitted and regular treatment was given for 1 month in hospital. Result: Bidalaka with Mukhadi churna and Thalam with Musta, Jatamamsi, Amalaki for 7 days followed by Takradhara for 7 days along with internal medicines and Yoga basti for 8 daysseems to have role in controlling haemorrhages found in diabetic retinopathy. Visual acuity improved from 5/60 to 6/60 for distant vision, from N36 to N18 for near vision in right eye and from 6/60 to 6/24 in left eye in 1 month. Discussion: The drugs selected here should be vatahara, as well as pitta kapha shamaka with rakta shodhaka properties that help in healing and reducing the symptoms that are caused especially due to ocular hemorrhages.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Retinopathy, Intraretinal haemorrhages, Madhumehajanya timira, Prameha janya Netra Roga, Bidalaka, Takradhara, Yoga basti, Mahavasakadi kashaya, Chakshushya basti.