Optic atrophy is a serious medical condition in which the optic disc situated in the retina of the eye gradually degenerates, leading to diminished vision, and possibly, a complete loss of vision over time. Optic atrophy may be classified into hereditary, consecutive, circulatory, metabolic, demyelinating, pressure, post inflammatory and traumatic type. The loss of vision in Optic atrophy usually results from a degeneration of the optic disc and the optic nerve, which transmits visual impulses from the retina to the brain.
There is currently no treatment for optic atrophy in the modern system of medicine. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be successfully utilised to treat optic atrophy. It is important to commence treatment keeping in mind the pathological process involved in the presentation of optic atrophy in each affected individual. Ayurvedic treatment is therefore aimed at reversing the known pathology of the condition in each individual; the other aim is to treat the degeneration of the optic disc and optic nerve. This can be done with the help of Ayurvedic medicines which cause a regeneration of the optic nerve as well as the optic centre in the brain. While this is a slow process, improvement for the patient is definite, with most affected individuals reporting improvement within three to six months. Significant improvement of vision in individuals affected with optic atrophy is reported within six to nine months of regular treatment.
Treatment for optic atrophy is mostly in the form of oral medications including tablets and powders which need to be taken regularly for prolonged periods. In some patients, localized treatment on the eyes is also given as additional therapy; however internal parts of the eye such as the retina and optic disc are involved in optic atrophy and hence oral medication which acts on the retina, optic nerve, and the brain cells, forms the major part of treatment of this condition.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus provide significant improvement in the management of people affected with optic atrophy. Benefits from this therapy need to be well documented and universally publicized, so that maximum number of affected people at the global level can take advantage of this system of medicine.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
