Ischemic optic neuropathy is a spectrum of eye diseases which consists of different clinical entities involving the optic nerve, in which the primary pathology relates to a reduction in the blood supply to the optic nerve. Ischemic optic neuropathy is divided into anterior, which involves the optic nerve head; and posterior, which involves the rest of the optic nerve. These can again be divided into arteritic type, which results from Giant cell arteritis; while the other type is non-arteritic, in which the causes are other than Giant cell arteritis. Another type is surgical, in which the disease results from a complication of different surgical procedures. Primarily, ischemic optic neuropathy is significant since it can cause blindness of varying degrees, and may constitute a medical emergency. Treatment is primarily with high dose of steroids. Some of these types may improve spontaneously to some extent.
The Ayurvedic herbal treatment for ischemic optic neuropathy is aimed at treating the root cause of the disease, as well as reducing and preventing further damage and loss of vision. Since the main pathology of the disease relates to a reduction in blood supply to the optic nerve, irrespective of the location of the disease, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are utilised which help in increasing the blood supply to the optic nerve. Ayurvedic medicines are also used to help correct the functioning of the optic nerve, to strengthen the nerve cells in this nerve, as well as to regulate and normalize the conduction of impulses from the optic nerve to the brain centers.
In addition, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given to detoxify the blood as well as to remove toxins present within the eye which can be harmful to the structures in the eye. Medicines are also given to flush out these toxins from the circulation, mostly through the gastrointestinal tract and through the kidneys. Ayurvedic herbal medicines reduce the inflammation both in the micro capillaries as well as the delicate structures in the eye. This helps in reducing further damage and improving vision to some extent. Depending upon the severity of the presentation of this condition, most affected individuals need to take medicines for about four to six months, in order to significantly benefit from Ayurvedic herbal treatment for this condition.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilised in the management and treatment of different types of ischemic optic neuropathy.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
