How to manage age-related macular degeneration with Ayurveda

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a big challenge when we talk in terms of vision health, particularly in elderly population. With life expectancy on a rise the demographic of older adults is constantly growing,and the need to search into AMD’s intricacies has intensified.
The eye disease mainly impacts the macula, which is the retina’s central segment, indeed for acute and detailed vision. When this central vision gets impacted it starts affecting the day to day ,activities like reading, driving, and facial recognition.
This disease is seen occurring in old age people due to the degeneration and loss of nerve tissues, indicating an imbalance of Vata Dosha. However, in the advanced stages, other Doshas, such as Rakta and Pitta, also become involved. Its true that there is formation of abnormal blood vessels (neovascularization) and bleeding result from disturbances in Rakta Dosha, while inflammation occurs due to Pitta Dosha imbalance
Symptoms
1. Flashing lights
2. Hallucinations
3. Blurred or distorted vision
4. Difficulty in reading or recognizing faces
5. Needing brighter light for reading or close-up work
Risk factors
1. Age
2. Hypertension
3. Family history
4. Obesity
5. Hypertension
6. Race - The condition is more prevalent in Caucasians
7. Positive
8. Smoking
Types of Macular Degeneration in Ayurveda
● Ayurveda classifies Macular Degeneration into two types:
Dry AMD and Wet AMD : Treatment differs based on the type and stage of the disease. Rejuvenating Ayurvedic medicines strengthen the retina and may improve vision. However, wet macular degeneration is considered more severe than dry macular degeneration because of the rapid and significant vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina.

Major Ayurvedic Approaches to Treat AMD
Ayurveda manages AMD by restoring dosha balance through:
Panchakarma is not recommended for individuals above 70 years of age.
1. Internal Organ Cleansing (Virechana)- Virechana process involves cleansing of the intestines which are pitta dominant.
2. Medicated Eye Cleansing (Nethradhara)- a cleansing method wherein herbal decoctions is poured in a continuous stream over the eyes.
3. Cooling Eye Therapy (Tarpana)- is an excellent soothing, relaxing eye treatment to rejuvenate eyes
4. Herbal Head Therapy (Thalam)
● Herbal paste is applied to the head, and medicated oil is poured on the forehead.
● Beneficial for conditions related to the nervous system and mental disorders.
● May aid in improving eye health indirectly by reducing stress and balancing body energies.
5. Buttermilk Therapy (Takradhara)
● Similar to Shirodhara, but uses buttermilk instead of oil.
● Helps in calming the mind and reducing stress-related vision issues.
6. Medicated Oil Therapy (Shirodhara)
Warm medicated oil, milk, buttermilk, or water is poured on a specific point of the forehead.Reduces stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue, indirectly benefiting vision health.
7. Dietary Changes: Adjusting food habits to pacify the aggravated doshas.
8. Lifestyle Modifications: Including practices like yoga, meditation, and ensuring proper sleep.

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on detoxification, nutrition, and regeneration of eye tissues. These treatments may slow the progression of AMD and sustain overall eye health. A holistic approach, including dietary and lifestyle modifications and Ayurvedic medication, is recommended for the best results.
(Dr Mandeep Singh Basu (Director of Dr Basu Eye Centre))