Abstract

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: EXPLORING PATHOGENESIS AND AYURVEDIC THERAPEUTICS

*Dr. Aman Negi, Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Gupta and Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal

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Abstract

Eyes serves as a primary sense organ due to its pivotal role in the sensory perception of vision. This sensory capability allows individuals to interpret and interact with their surroundings in profound ways. Ayurveda also mentions about importance of eyes by quoting “losZfUæ;k.kkea u;ua ç/kkue” that means eyes are the most important sense organ of the body and one should make all necessary efforts to protect the eyes as long as one is alive. The chaotic lifestyle, faulty food habits, reduced physical activity, over exertion at work, subjection to various environmental changes and over exposure to radiations creates a stressful never ending vicious cycle leading to various lifestyle disorders. One of such lifestyle related disorders is Diabetes Mellitus, which if not controlled later on leads to Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). DR is a significant microvascular complication of diabetes, characterised by progressive damage to the retinal blood vessels. Therefore, identifying the risk factors for DR and keeping them under check is of paramount importance in saving the vision, reducing morbidity and thus reducing the economic burden due to blindness in our country. Current treatment modalities include laser therapy, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF and vitrectomy tailored to the severity of disease. Acharya Charak have mentioned Prameha among the eight major disorders denoting the importance of the disease. Diabetic retinopathy occurs due to complication of Prameha. To treat the disease it is necessary to understand the pathogenesis/ Samprapti. In Ayuveda classics, there are various herbal formulations along with Panchkarma and Kriyakalpa therapies which plays a crucial role in management of diabetes and its complication like DR.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Retinopathy, Netraroga, Kriyakalpa, Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).