Ayurvedic Treatment of Macular Degeneration

Ayurvedic Treatment of Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration, also known as Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD or AMD) is one of the most common eye disease generally prevalent in the people of older ages. Macular degeneration is a result of degradation of macula of retina, which is responsible for the sharpness of vision. An affected macula may lead to loss in the central vision. Macular degeneration is of two types:

Dry macular degeneration: In the dry form, a deposition of yellow material called drusen takes place in the macula. Due to excessive deposition of drusen, the light sensitive cells of the macula damages leading to blurred central vision. In the later stages a blurred spot can be seen in the center of the vision. This can lead to complete loss of central vision later.

Wet macular degeneration: In this there is a growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula. This condition is called choroidal neovascularization. This condition leads to leaking of blood and fluid in the retina through blood vessels. Thus, it results in the damage of retina leading to loss of central vision permanently.

Causes of Macular Degeneration or AMD

Macular degeneration is generally caused due to the deposition of drusen in the macula of retina. This leads to damage of tissues of eye. This problem is basically associated with aging. Moreover, some genetic factors are also involved in the case of macular degeneration. Some of the common reasons of macular degeneration are:

• Aging is the most common cause of macular degeneration.
• It is also hereditary or genetic in nature.
• It can be a result of side effects of certain medicines.
• High blood pressure and hypertension can also lead to macular degeneration.
• Smoking and obesity can also result in AMD.
• People suffering from Arteriosclerosis, Diabetes, and Heart disease are likely to get affected from macular degeneration.

Nutritional deficiencies are also responsible for this condition.

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a gradual process that gets on increasing with time. The symptoms may differ for the dry and wet macular degeneration.

Dry Macular Degeneration:

• A person with this defect needs more light to see things. The need of light increases with time.
• Feels problem in adapting to different lighting conditions.
• Things appears hazy with time.
• Appearance of a blurred or blind spot in the central vision is seen.

Wet Macular Degeneration:

• Distortion in visualizing the things is felt. A straight line looks wavy in this condition.
• A gradual decrease in central vision is observed.
• Appearances of a blurry spot in the central vision in seen.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Macular Degeneration
Though, macular degeneration is very common with age, ayurveda advocates certain practices in order to get rid of macular degeneration. Some of them are:

• Ayurveda has recommended certain medicines to be very beneficial in case of macular degeneration. These are amalaki, triphala, tulasi, spirulina, punarnava and shatavari. These herbs are rich source of vitamins and acts as anti-oxidants.
• Ayurveda suggests the consumption of yellow vegetables such as carrot that is rich in carotene.
• Blackberries, cherries and blueberries are also very beneficial as they contain flavonoids, which is very useful for eyes.
• Triphala, an ayurvedic medication is extremely beneficial for eyes.
• Rub your eyes for 30 minutes gently in regular interval of time in order to relax them.
• Avoid sitting near TV and computer for a longer period of time.

The effect of Macular degeneration or AMD goes on increasing gradually which may lead to permanent loss of central eye vision. But ayurvedic treatment of macular degeneration has proved to be very useful in order to avoid it for a longer period of time.