Central serous
retinopathy, aka CSR, is a disease of the eyes in which there is loss of vision
due to accumulation of fluid beneath the retina. There is localised retinal detachment in
mostly male patients aged 20 to 50. The
loss of vision is usually painless and sudden.
This condition may be significantly related to stress and the use of
steroids. About 80 to 90% of affected
individuals recover spontaneously within 6 months; however, the remaining 10%
may have persistent symptoms or recurrent episodes. A variant known as type II CSR demonstrates
more widespread retinal pathology and is associated with a more serious
prognosis.
In CSR, there is
accumulation of choroidal fluid beneath the retina due to breaks in the retinal
pigment epithelium. This condition can
therefore be treated with Ayurvedic herbal medicines which reduce the accumulation
of fluid and strengthen the retinal epithelium in order to prevent further
leakage. Ayurvedic medicines are also
given to strengthen all the components of the eye so as to be stress resistant
so that there are no long-term recurrences of the condition. Treatment needs to be given for about three
to four months in order to bring about a complete remission of the disease and
significantly reduce chances of recurrence.
Individuals with type II CSR may need to be treated more aggressively
and for longer periods.
Ayurvedic herbal eye
drops can also be used to supplement the oral treatment. Some patients may need
additional treatment for stress. Some individuals report concurrent problems of
gastritis or kidney disease, which may need additional treatment.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
