Post-Operative Macular Oedema Management Through Ayurveda- A Case Study
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Post-Operative Macular Oedema Management Through Ayurveda- A Case Study
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Macular oedema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the macula, leading to an increase in its thickness and resulting in visual disturbances. The condition arises due to disruptions in the blood-ocular barrier, causing leakage from the retinal capillaries, commonly associated with various causes such as post-operative complications, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases. A case study presented highlights the management of post-operative macular oedema following cataract surgery using Ayurveda, specifically addressing the symptoms and utilizing traditional Ayurvedic principles and medicines.
Cystoid Macular Oedema: A Clinical Insight
Cystoid Macular Oedema (CME) is identified as a significant reason for central vision loss in developed nations. Characterized by fluid accumulation that distorts the architecture of photoreceptors, CME often leads to symptoms like blurry or wavy vision. The patient in the case study, a 66-year-old woman, experienced blurred vision and discomfort in the left eye three months after cataract surgery, which were indicative of CME. Diagnosed with macular oedema, the Ayurvedic treatment focused on understanding the underlying dosha imbalances and involved medicines such as Gokshuradi Guggulu and Punarnavasthaka kwatha, targeting inflammation and restoring ocular function.
Ayurvedic Management: A Holistic Approach
The Ayurvedic approach to managing CME involves the principles of Vataja Timira and Shotha, prioritizing the restoration of balance and reducing inflammation. The prescribed treatment included a combination of herbal medicines tailored to the patient's specific symptoms. For instance, Gokshuradi Guggulu is noted for its ability to drain accumulated fluid due to inflammation, while Punarnavasthaka kwatha aids in reducing vascular permeability. The treatment protocol demonstrated efficacy, with improved visual acuity and reduced central macular thickness observed during follow-ups, underlining the relevance of Ayurvedic principles in modern ocular therapies.
Conclusion
The case study emphasizes the potential of Ayurveda as a viable alternative for managing post-operative macular oedema, particularly when conventional methods yield unsatisfactory results. Through a comprehensive understanding of the condition and a tailored treatment protocol, significant improvements in the patient's vision quality were achieved. As CME is a self-limiting condition with a high recurrence rate, this case suggests that a preventive Ayurvedic approach could enhance patient outcomes, demonstrating the integration of ancient wisdom into contemporary medical practice.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Mahima Choudhary
PG Scholar, Department of Shalakya Tantra, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Prabhakar Vardhan
Associate Professor, Department of Shalakya Tantra, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Aparna Sharma
Associate Professor, Department of Shalakya Tantra, National Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Post-Operative Macular Oedema Management Through Ayurveda- A Case Study
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i2.1174
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Macular Oedema and its primary symptom?
Macular Oedema is the accumulation of fluid in the macula, leading to an increase in its thickness. The primary symptom is blurred or wavy vision, especially near the center of the visual field, often affecting the quality of vision.
How was the female patient diagnosed with Macular Oedema?
The 66-year-old female patient was diagnosed with Macular Oedema after her cataract surgery. She complained of blurred vision and discomfort in her left eye for three months, which led to further diagnostic evaluations including Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
What Ayurvedic treatment was prescribed for Macular Oedema?
The treatment included several Ayurvedic medicines such as Gokshuradi Guggulu, Punarnavasthaka kwatha, and Chandraprabha Vati. These medications aimed to address inflammation, improve vision quality, and facilitate healing by following Ayurvedic principles related to Dosha and Dushya.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Post-Operative Macular Oedema Management Through Ayurveda- A Case Study”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema refers to the excessive accumulation of fluid in tissues, causing swelling. In the context of the case study, macular oedema is discussed, where fluid collects in the retinal tissue leading to increased macular thickness and visual disturbances.
2) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that focuses on balancing bodily systems through natural remedies and lifestyle changes. The case study illustrates how Ayurvedic principles were applied to manage post-operative macular oedema.
3) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to the therapeutic substances prescribed for treating diseases. The case discusses various Ayurvedic medicines like Gokshuradi Guggulu and Punarnavasthaka Kwatha used to treat macular oedema.
4) Food:
Food refers to substances consumed to provide nutritional support. In the treatment protocol, certain medicines were administered before or after food to enhance their efficacy, as mentioned for drugs like Chandraprabha Vati.
5) Candraprabha (Candra-prabha):
[see source text or glossary: Chandraprabha]
6) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana in Ayurveda denotes rejuvenating and nourishing therapies meant to enhance the quality of life and prolong longevity. Medicines like Punarnavasthaka Kwatha and Saptamrita Lauha used in the treatment have Rasayana properties, suggesting their role in regenerative processes.
7) Disease:
Disease refers to a disorder of structure or function in a living organism. The document discusses macular oedema as a disease and correlates it with Vataja Timira in Ayurveda, explaining its symptoms and pathology.
8) Saptamrita (Saptamrta, Sapta-amrita):
[see source text or glossary: Saptamrita]
9) Glass:
Glass refers to corrective lenses used to improve vision. The patient's visual acuity was tested with and without the aid of glasses to evaluate the extent of visual impairment caused by macular oedema.
10) Rasa (Rasha):
[see source text or glossary: Rasa]
11) Vati:
[see source text or glossary: Vati]
12) Saptamritalauha (Saptamrtalauha, Saptamrita-lauha):
[see source text or glossary: Saptamrita-lauha]
13) Guggulu:
Guggulu is a resin used in Ayurvedic formulations known for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Gokshuradi Guggulu was prescribed in the case study to treat oedema and inflammation in the retina of the patient.
14) Ghrita (Ghrta):
[see source text or glossary: Ghrita]
15) Timira:
[see source text or glossary: Timira]
16) Vataja (Vata-ja):
Vataja refers to conditions or disorders in Ayurveda that are caused by the imbalance of the Vata dosha. In the case study, macular oedema is correlated with Vataja Timira, indicating Vata as a significant contributing factor.
17) Lauha:
[see source text or glossary: Lauha]
18) Drug:
Drug refers to any chemical substance used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. In the case study, various Ayurvedic drugs were utilized to address the symptoms and underlying causes of macular oedema.
19) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
[see source text or glossary: Rakta-dhatu]
20) Drishti (Drsti, Drishtin, Drstin):
[see source text or glossary: Drishti]
21) Shotha (Sotha):
[see source text or glossary: Shotha]
22) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha in Ayurveda are the fundamental bio-elements that govern physiological and psychological functions in the body. The treatment protocol took into account the balancing of doshas like Vata, involved in macular oedema.
23) Rakta:
[see source text or glossary: Rakta]
24) Dhatu:
Dhatu in Ayurveda refers to the fundamental tissues that sustain the body. Adequate treatment of macular oedema focused on rejuvenating the affected dhatus, particularly those involved in vision.
25) Honey:
Honey was used as a vehicle for some Ayurvedic formulations in the treatment protocol, enhancing the efficacy and taste of the medicines such as Mahatriphala Ghrita.
26) Milk:
Milk is often used in Ayurveda to facilitate the administration and effectiveness of certain medicines. In the case study, medicines like Mahatriphala Ghrita were given with milk to ensure better absorption.
27) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain. The case study discusses macular oedema as an inflammatory condition and describes Ayurvedic treatments aimed at reducing inflammation.
28) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
[see source text or glossary: Sharma]
29) Blood:
Blood is the fluid that circulates through the cardiovascular system, supplying nutrients and oxygen to tissues. In Ayurveda, blood-related disorders are an essential consideration, as indicated by terms like Rasa-Rakta Dhatu in the treatment of macular oedema.
30) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Shalakya-tantra]
31) Arogyasala (Arogyashala, Arogya-shala):
[see source text or glossary: Arogya-shala]
32) Shothahara (Sothahara, Shotha-hara):
[see source text or glossary: Shothahara]
33) Prasadaka:
[see source text or glossary: Prasadaka]
34) Brimhana (Brmhana):
[see source text or glossary: Brimhana]
35) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra in Ayurveda refers to the systematic scientific principles and practices encompassing different fields of medicine. Shalakya Tantra, mentioned in the document, deals with Urdhvanga (above the neck) ailments including eye diseases.
36) Vikara:
[see source text or glossary: Vikara]
37) Arogya:
Arogya means 'health' or 'fitness' in Sanskrit. Institutions like Arogya Shala strive to provide comprehensive health care, integrating traditional Ayurveda principles, illustrated in the treatment of macular oedema.
38) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vyadhi]
39) Repair:
Repair entails the restoration of damaged tissues to their normal state. The positive outcome of Ayurvedic treatment on macular oedema showed significant repair in visual quality and retinal structure.
40) Shala (Sala):
[see source text or glossary: Shala]
41) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs and sometimes other parts like eyes. The document notes the patient's medical history to confirm the lack of tuberculosis affecting eye health.
42) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
[see source text or glossary: Vatavyadhi]
43) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
[see source text or glossary: Raktapitta]
44) Visodhana (Vishodhana):
[see source text or glossary: Vishodhana]
45) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]
46) Rajasthan:
[see source text or glossary: Rajasthan]
47) Raktapita (Rakta-pita):
[see source text or glossary: Raktapita]
48) Knowledge:
[see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
49) Shoshana (Sosana):
[see source text or glossary: Shoshana]
50) Samaka (Shamaka):
[see source text or glossary: Shamaka]
51) Srotas (Shrotas):
[see source text or glossary: Shrotas]
52) Dushya (Dusya):
[see source text or glossary: Dushya]
53) Kshaya (Ksaya):
[see source text or glossary: Kshaya]
54) Jaipur:
[see source text or glossary: Jaipur]
55) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]
56) Kapha:
[see source text or glossary: Kapha]
57) Vastu:
[see source text or glossary: Vastu]
58) Marga:
[see source text or glossary: Marga]
59) Pandu (Pamdu, Pamde):
[see source text or glossary: Pandu]
60) Netra:
Netra means 'eye' in Sanskrit. The case study references Netra Chikitsalaya, an eye treatment facility under Ayurvedic practice, where the patient received her treatment for macular oedema.
61) India:
India is the country where this case study took place, at the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur, showcasing how traditional Ayurvedic practices are integrated into modern healthcare.
62) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]
63) Roga:
[see source text or glossary: Roga]
64) Vata:
Vata is one of the three primary doshas in Ayurveda, representing air and ether elements. Imbalance in Vata is associated with conditions like macular oedema as mentioned in the case study.