Uveitis is a condition in which there is an inflammation of the middle part of the eye, between the sclera and the retina. Depending upon which part is affected, uveitis may be termed as iritis, cyclitis, or choroiditis; however, the common factor is inflammation of that particular part. The symptoms for this condition include sensitivity to light, blurred vision, pain, and redness in the eyes. This condition can be either acute or chronic, and usually results from inflammatory conditions such as herpes zoster, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, or arthritis. This is a serious condition which can result in loss of vision, and hence requires prompt and aggressive treatment. The modern management of this condition usually involves the use of steroids in the form of eye drops, and pupil dilators.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for uveitis is aimed at reducing the inflammation in the eye, reversing the damage done to the eye, and providing soothing effect as well as nourishment to the damaged parts. Herbal medicines are used in high doses in order to reduce inflammation at the earliest, so as to prevent loss of vision in the eyes. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a high specific action on the eyes are used, in combination with other medicines which treat inflammation, reduce the damage to the inner parts of the eye, blood vessels as well as remove toxins from the microcirculation within the eyes.
In addition to oral medication, localised treatment is also given in the form of eye drops and application of medicated pastes over and around the eyes. If required, these treatments are supplemented by special Panchkarma procedures such as medicated enemas, induced purgation and other treatments. If the patient has a history of severe affliction with some infection or disease such as arthritis or toxoplasmosis, these need to be treated separately so as to simultaneously reduce the inflammation in the eyes and treat uveitis.
Most individuals affected with uveitis usually require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about six to eight months in order to get significant improvement from the symptoms.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
