Age Related
Macular Degeneration, also known as ARMD or AMD, is an age related eye
condition which gradually results in diminished central vision. The risk
factors for this condition are age over 60, female gender, a positive family
history, faulty diet (reduced intake of omega fatty acids and dark green
vegetables) , excessive exposure to the sun, smoking, cardiovascular disease, hypertension,
and obesity.
AMD is of two
types, wet and dry. Dry AMD is more common, and nearly 80-85% patients have this
type of AMD. In this type, the macula
gradually gets thinner, and toxic deposits cause tiny clumps of protein known
as drusen. There is a gradual and slow loss of central vision, which usually
occurs in both eyes. Dietary supplements may help reduce or stabilize this
condition.
The wet type of
AMD is present in only about 15 % of affected individuals; however, this type
is more serious and is responsible for nearly 80% of vision loss occurring from
this condition. New, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina; these
cause leakage of blood and fluid, eventually leading to scarring of the macula.
This type of vision loss may be faster- often occurring in a few days to a few
weeks- and more extensive. Vision loss typically affects one eye. Treatment includes
dietary supplementation, injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor
drugs, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and use of low vision
devices.
Dry AMD can be
treated with Ayurvedic medicines using the Rasayan (rejuvenating) herbs. Use of
Triphala and Mahatriphala Ghrut is beneficial, as well as the prolonged use of
Netra Tarpan procedure. Medicines which help remove toxic deposits and
strengthen the retina are very useful, but need to be given for prolonged
periods in order to get good benefit. Associated risk factors and concurrent
medical conditions need to be treated in order to give the patient the full benefit
of Ayurvedic treatment. Treated in this
way, most affected individuals can retain a decent vision for more than three
decades.
For patients with
the wet type of AMD, the use of leeches can avert sudden and drastic vision
loss. Mild and repeated purgation helps in reducing fluid build up beneath the
retina. Medicines can then be given to remove toxic collection from the eyes,
as well as to help reduce the abnormal vessel growth and frequent leakages.
Vision can be gradually restored fully or partially (depending upon the stage
at which treatment has been commenced), and further loss of vision can be
prevented.
Ayurvedic herbal
treatment can thus be judiciously used to effectively treat both the dry and
wet types of AMD.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as
an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of ARMD, kindly click here
