Diabetes and Your Eyes: What is Diabetic Retinopathy and How to Manage It with Ayurveda

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by constant increased levels of sugar in your blood. There are two types of diabetes, namely type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is genetic by nature and is caused by inability of the body to produce insulin, the hormone responsible for maintaining good levels of sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle factors such as improper diet, obesity, and sedentary activities. Long-standing diabetes can cause various complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. But did you know that diabetes can also affect your eyes? Some eye conditions due to diabetes are cataracts (clouding of the clear lens), insensitivity of the nerves, and retinopathy. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. In this article, we will explain what diabetic retinopathy is, how it develops, how it can be treated, and how it can be prevented.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?  

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the lightsensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for converting light into signals that are sent to the brain, allowing us to see. When the blood vessels in the retina are damaged by high blood sugar levels, they can leak fluid or blood into the retina, or grow abnormal blood vessels that can bleed, scar, or detach the retina. This can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

What are the Types of Diabetic Retinopathy?

There are three types of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative DR, diabetic macular edema, and proliferative DR. Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of the condition, where the blood vessels in the retina become weak and leaky, causing swelling or haemorrhage (bleeding) in the retina. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is accumulation of fluid at the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision. DME can cause blurry or distorted vision, and can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the advanced stage of the condition, where the blood vessels in the retina become blocked or closed, depriving the retina of oxygen and nutrients. This triggers the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels on the surface of the retina, which are fragile and prone to bleeding. PDR can also cause neovascular glaucoma and retinal detachment. Neovascular glaucoma is the increase of pressure in the eye due to the growth of new blood vessels in the iris, the colored part of the eye. Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the underlying tissue, resulting in vision loss or blindness.

How Does Diabetic Retinopathy Develop?

Diabetic retinopathy develops as a result of chronic hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, which can damage the blood vessels in the retina over time. The damage can be worsened by other factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, kidney disease, tobacco use, anemia, or pregnancy. Diabetic retinopathy can affect anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but is more likely to develop in people who have had diabetes for a longer time.

How Can Diabetic Retinopathy Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent or delay diabetic retinopathy is to manage diabetes by keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control, and having regular eye exams. People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly, take their medications as prescribed, follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, and quit smoking. People with diabetes should also have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year, or more often if recommended by their eye doctor. This can help detect diabetic retinopathy in its early stages, when it is easier to treat and has less impact on vision.

What is the Ayurvedic View on Diabetic Retinopathy?

According to ayurveda, Diabetic retinopathy may be compared with features seen in Timira (blurring of vision), a Drshtigata Roga or disease of vision. The main causes of Timira are the imbalances of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Dosha, the three bio-energies that govern the body and mind. Consuming foods that increase Pitta and Kapha, such as spicy, sour, salty, oily, or sweet foods, increase the blood sugar levels and aggravate the Doshas, leading to damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Ayurveda also considers diabetic retinopathy as a complication of Prameha, which is the Ayurvedic term for diabetes. Prameha is a disease where the urine becomes sweet, turbid, or excessive due to the impairment of the digestive fire and the accumulation of toxins in the body. Prameha can affect the eyes by causing dryness, burning, itching, redness, or pain. Prameha can also affect the quality and quantity of the Ojas, which is the essence of the body and the source of immunity and vitality. When the Ojas is depleted or vitiated, it can cause weakness, fatigue, and susceptibility to infections and diseases, including diabetic retinopathy.

How to Manage Diabetic Retinopathy with Ayurveda?

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to manage diabetic retinopathy, which involves the use of specific herbs and therapies, along with dietary and lifestyle changes. The aim of ayurvedic management of diabetic retinopathy is to balance the Doshas, improve the digestive fire, eliminate the toxins, nourish the eyes, and enhance the Ojas. Ayurvedic methods to manage diabetic retinopathy include

Diet: A balanced diet that is low in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, and high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, is recommended for diabetic retinopathy. Foods that are bitter, astringent, and pungent, such as bitter gourd, fenugreek, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and black pepper, are beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels and the inflammation in the eyes. Foods that are sweet, sour, or salty, such as refined flour, rice, sugar, honey, milk, yogurt, cheese, and pickles, should be avoided, as they cause imbalance to the Doshas and increase blood sugar levels. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, such as Amla, orange, lemon, carrot, spinach, and broccoli are good for enhancing eye health and immunity. Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas, such as green tea, chamomile tea, or cinnamon tea, can help flush out the toxins and hydrate the eyes.

Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, Yoga, meditation, and Pranayama, can help control blood sugar levels, reduce stress, and improve blood circulation and oxygen supply to the eyes. Moderate physical exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, can help burn excess calories and lower blood pressure. Yoga poses, such as Suryanamaskar, Trikonasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, and Savasana, can help stretch and relax the muscles and the nerves, and stimulate the endocrine glands and the organs. Meditation and pranayama, such as Anulomana, Vilomana, Bhramari, and Ujjayi, can help calm the mind, balance emotions, and enhance concentration and awareness. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and drugs should be avoided for preventing damage to the blood vessels and the nerves, and reduce the risk of complications.

Herbs: Ayurveda uses various herbs that have anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and rejuvenating properties, to treat diabetic retinopathy. Some of the herbs that are useful for diabetic retinopathy are:

○ Amla: Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is one of the best herbs for diabetic retinopathy, as it is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the health of the eyes and the blood vessels. Amla also helps lower the blood sugar levels, improve the insulin sensitivity, and prevent the oxidative stress and the inflammation in the eyes. Amla can be consumed as a fresh fruit, juice, powder, or capsule, or applied as an eye wash or eye drop.

○ Gymnema Sylvestre: Gymnema Sylvestre, or gurmar, is an herb that can help regulate the blood sugar levels, and reduce the sugar cravings and the absorption of sugar in the intestines. Gymnema Sylvestre also helps stimulate the production of insulin, and repair the damaged beta cells in the pancreas. Gymnema Sylvestre can be consumed as a powder, tablet, or capsule, or applied as an eye wash or eye drop

 Therapies: Ayurveda also offers various therapies that can help cleanse, nourish, and rejuvenate the eyes, and prevent or treat diabetic retinopathy. Some of the therapies that are effective for diabetic retinopathy are: 
 

Netra tarpana: Netra tarpana, or eye nourishment, is a therapy where the eyes are bathed with medicated ghee in a dough ring that is placed around the eyes. This therapy helps lubricate, soothe, and strengthen the eyes, and improve vision. Netra tarpana can be done with ghee that is infused with herbs such as triphala, bhringaraj, licorice, or rose.

Lepa or Bidalaka: Lepa, or paste, is also known as Bidalaka. It is a therapy where a paste of herbs is applied on the eyelids and the surrounding area. This therapy helps cool, cleanse, and heal the eyes, and reduce the swelling, redness, and pain. Lepa/Bidalaka can be done with fresh or dried herbs, or with ready-made eye packs

Nasya: Nasya, or nasal administration of medicine, is a therapy where medicated oil or powder is instilled into the nostrils to clear the nasal passages and the sinuses, and to stimulate the nerves and the brain. This therapy helps improve blood circulation and oxygen supply to the eyes, and prevent the degeneration of the optic nerve. Nasya can be done with oil or powder that is infused with herbs such as Brahmi, Vacha, Jatamansi, or Shankhpushpi. One compound medicine that can be applied regularly as Nasya is Anutaila, which pacifies all three Doshas and strengthens the eyes.

Shirodhara: Shirodhara, or dripping of oil over the head, is a therapy where a stream of warm oil is poured over the head and forehead to calm the mind and the nervous system, and to balance the Doshas. This therapy helps relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, which can worsen diabetic retinopathy. Shirodhara can be done with oil that is infused with herbs such as Bhringaraj, Yashtimadhu, or Jatamansi

Conclusion

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated. It is caused by high blood sugar levels that damage the blood vessels in the retina. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to manage diabetic retinopathy, which involves dietary and lifestyle changes, along with the use of specific herbs and therapies. Ayurveda can help balance the Doshas, improve the digestive fire, eliminate the toxins, nourish the eyes, and enhance the Ojas. By following Ayurvedic principles and practices, you can prevent and treat diabetic retinopathy, and protect your eyes and vision from the effects of diabetes