Ayurvedic Treatment for Macular Edema

Macular edema is a condition that affects the vision of millions of people around the world. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula, the part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision. Macular edema can cause blurry or wavy vision, difficulty seeing colors, or distorted perception of the sizes of objects. In this article, we will explore the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of macular edema.

Types of Macular Edema

There are two main types of macular edema: cystoid and non-cystoid. 

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is characterized by the formation of cyst-like spaces in the macula, filled with fluid and debris. Non-cystoid macular edema (NCME) is characterized by diffuse accumulation of fluid in the macula, without cysts.

CME and NCME can be further classified into focal or diffuse, depending on the extent of the leakage. Focal macular edema is caused by localized leakage from one or a few blood vessels, while diffuse macular edema is caused by widespread leakage from many blood vessels.

Causes of Macular Edema

Macular edema can be caused by many different conditions, such as:

Diabetic retinopathy: This is the most common cause of macular edema, It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid into the macula.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): This is another common cause of macular edema. It occurs when the macula deteriorates over time due to the buildup of waste products under the retina, or when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid into it.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO): This is a condition that happens when the veins that drain blood from the retina become blocked, causing blood and fluid to accumulate in the macula. It can be caused by aging, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, or blood clotting disorders.

Uveitis: This is a condition that causes inflammation in the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases,injuries, or unknown factors. Uveitis can affect any part of the eye, including the macula, and cause swelling and vision loss.

Eye surgery: Cataract surgery or vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous gel) can sometimes cause macular edema as a complication. This is usually mild and temporary, but it can also be severe and persistent, requiring further treatment.

Certain medicines: Certain medicines, such as anti-glaucoma drugs, steroids, or anti-cancer drugs, can also cause macular edema as a side effect. 

Symptoms of Macular Edema

The symptoms of macular edema may vary depending on the severity and the underlying cause of the swelling. Some of the common symptoms include:

Blurry or wavy vision

Difficulty seeing colors

Distorted perception of the sizes of objects

Central vision loss or blind spots

Reduced contrast sensitivity or night vision

Macular edema can affect one or both eyes, and the symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly. If you notice any changes in your vision or have any risk factors for macular edema, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Diagnosis of Macular Edema

Macular edema can be diagnosed by a dilated eye exam, where your eye doctor will use eye drops to widen your pupils and examine your retina with a special device called an ophthalmoscope. Your eye doctor will look for signs of swelling, leakage, or damage in the macula and the surrounding retina.

Macular edema can also be diagnosed by taking pictures of your retina with various imaging techniques, such as:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This is a non-invasive method that uses light waves to create a cross-sectional image of the retina, showing the thickness and structure of the macula and the presence of fluid or cysts.

Fluorescein angiography (FA): This is a method that involves injecting a dye into a vein in your arm and taking pictures of your retina as the dye flows through the blood vessels, showing the location and extent of the leakage and the abnormal blood vessels

Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA): This is a method that is similar to FA, but uses a different dye that can penetrate deeper into the retina and show the blood flow in the choroid, the layer under the retina that may also be affected by macular edema.

These imaging techniques can help measure the thickness of the macula, identify the cause and type of macular edema, and determine the best treatment option.

Prevention of Macular Edema

Macular edema can be prevented or delayed by managing the underlying conditions that causes it, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or glaucoma. It is also important to have regular eye exams, especially if you are over 40, have a family history of eye diseases, or have any symptoms of macular edema. Early detection and treatment can help prevent or limit the damage to the macula and preserve your vision.

Ayurvedic View on Macular Edema 

According to Ayurveda, the main causes of macular edema are the imbalances of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas, which are the three fundamental energies that govern the body and mind. Consuming foods such as spicy, sour, salty, oily, or sweet foods can aggravate the Doshas and lead to macular edema. Other factors that can contribute to macular edema are stress, lack of sleep, exposure to sunlight, smoking, alcohol, eye injuries, or infections.

The ayurvedic treatment of macular edema aims to balance the Doshas, correct the underlying root cause, and heal the retina’s leaking blood vessels. The treatment involves the use of herbal medicines, Pancakarma therapies, eye care procedures, and diet and lifestyle modifications.

Ayurveda offers a variety of herbal medicines that can help reduce inflammation, prevent leakage, or inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Some of the commonly used herbs for macular edema are:

Triphala: Triphala is a combination of three fruits: Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki. It is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating agent that can protect the retina from oxidative stress, reduce swelling, and improve vision. Triphala can be taken internally as a powder, capsule, or decoction, or applied externally as an eye wash or eye drop.

Eye Care Procedures for Macular Edema

Ayurveda also offers some eye care procedures that can help prevent or manage macular edema. Some of the eye care procedures are:

Pindi: Pindi is a procedure of applying a paste of herbs or medicines in a small pouch over the eyes. Pindi can help reduce the inflammation, pain, and itching in the eyes. Pindi is done by spreading the paste over a piece of cloth and placing it over the eyes for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Bidalaka: Bidalaka is a procedure of applying a paste of herbs or medicines around the eyes. Bidalaka can help improve the blood circulation, strengthen the eye muscles, and prevent the leakage of fluid in the retina. Bidalaka is done by applying the paste around the eyes and leaving it for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Anjana: Anjana is a procedure of applying a thin paste or powder of herbs or medicines inside the eyes. Anjana can help cleanse the eyes, remove foreign particles, and prevent infection and inflammation in the eyes. Anjana is done by applying paste or powder with a rod or a finger inside the lower eyelid and blinking the eyes for a few times.

Aschyotana: Aschyotana is a procedure of instilling drops of herbal liquids or juices into the eyes. Aschyotana can help moisturize the eyes, heal wounds, and improve vision. Aschyotana is done by instilling a few drops of the liquid or juice into each eye with a dropper or a cotton swab.

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications for Macular Edema

Diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in the prevention and management of macular edema. Some of the diet and lifestyle modifications that can help treat macular edema are:

Avoid spicy, sour, salty, oily, or sweet foods, red meat, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco.

Consume foods such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, beetroot, spinach, broccoli, berries, grapes, apples, pomegranate, almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds.

Drink plenty of water and fluids, such as coconut water, buttermilk, or herbal teas, to keep the body and eyes hydrated and detoxified.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, dust, smoke, or pollution, and wear sunglasses or hats to protect the eyes from harmful rays.

Avoid straining the eyes by reading, watching TV, or using computers for long hours, and take frequent breaks to relax the eyes.

Practice eye exercises, such as blinking, rotating, or massaging the eyes, to improve the blood circulation and muscle tone of the eyes.

Practice Yoga, meditation, or Pranayama, such as Shavasana, Anulomana, Vilomana, or Bhramari, to reduce stress, calm the mind, and balance the Doshas.

Sleep for at least seven to eight hours a night, and avoid sleeping during the day, to rejuvenate the body and eyes.

Conclusion

Macular edema is a serious condition that can affect your vision and quality of life. It is caused by fluid leakage from the blood vessels in the eye, resulting in swelling in the macula, the central part of the retina. Ayurveda offers a holistic and natural approach to treat macular edema, by restoring the balance of the doshas, correcting the root cause, and healing the retina’s leaking blood vessels. The ayurvedic treatment involves the use of herbal medicines, panchakarma therapies, eye care procedures, and diet and lifestyle modifications. By following these natural and holistic methods, you can prevent or manage macular edema and preserve your vision.

FAQ

Q : Is macular edema caused by stress?

Mental stress results in the higher production of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is known to contribute to leakage and inflammation. The leakage may result in the build-up of fluids in the back of the eye resulting in macular edema.

Q : Can macular edema lead to blindness?

Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of the veins carrying blood away from the retina. This can lead to swelling and fluid leakage. The result is an unwanted buildup of liquid at the back of the eye known as macular edema. If left untreated, the condition can blur vision and eventually lead to blindness.

Q : Can high BP cause macular edema?

A : Yes. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the retina. Those with high blood pressure are at greater risk for developing a host of retinal diseases like macular edema.

Q : Is macular edema curable?

Macular edema cannot be cured but can be treated effectively if diagnosed early. Vision can be better preserved with early treatment of macular edema and the underlying condition causing it. Recovery from macular edema is slow and gradual and may even take months.

Q : Can the retina repair itself?

Retina cells get damaged, they do not regenerate. They don't heal or grow back. But there are eye treatments that can repair a damaged retina in most cases. Although a patient may not experience completely restored vision, a timely retinal repair can prevent any further vision loss and stabilize vision

Q : Is macular edema worse in the morning?

A : Patients with chronic macular edema often report fluctuations of vision, with poorer vision at awakening.