Natural Ayurvedic Treatment For Glaucoma With Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Glaucoma refers to a collection of eye conditions that harm the optic nerve. Optic nerve is a crucial pathway that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. The damage is commonly linked to increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. If left untreated, it can result in complete blindness. Glaucoma is currently the second leading cause of blindness around the world. It is a major public health concern because it often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stage. This means that many people may have the condition without even realizing it and by the time they do, significant damage may already have been done to their vision. In this condition the early detection and regular eye checkups are important. More than 80 million people around the world have glaucoma, and this number is expected to grow as the population gets older. Let’s discuss it in detail.

Introduction

Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve, responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain, gets damaged over time. This damage leads to change in the optic disc, affecting peripheral vision and ultimately leading to vision loss. The most common cause of glaucoma is increased pressure inside the eyes, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). When the pressure becomes too high, it compresses the optic nerve preventing it from carrying visual signals to the brain, which leads to vision loss. This pressure causes the cell in retina, including nerve cells, to die. Additionally, the small blood vessels that supply the retina with nutrients become squeezed, cutting off vital nourishment. Over time, this causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision, and if untreated, can lead to complete blindness.

Causes And Risk Factors

Factors that can increase the risk of developing glaucoma include

• Family history: If glaucoma runs in your family, especially on your mother’s side, your chances of developing it are higher. Studies show that it is more common for glaucoma to be passed down through the maternal line.
• Age: Individuals over the age of 40 are more likely to develop glaucoma, and the risk increases with age.
• High Intraocular pressure (IOP): Having high pressure inside the eye is one of the main factors that can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.
• Poor drainage of eye fluid: In open-angle glaucoma, the eye’s drainage canal gets blocked over time, preventing fluid from flowing out properly, which leads to gradual increase in pressure.
• History of eye injury: previous eye injury can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
• Thin cornea: It may increase the risk of glaucoma
• Poor circulation: Poor blood flow to the optic nerve may contribute to developing glaucoma.
• Medical conditions:
  • Myopia
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Migraine
• Long term use of corticosteroids

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is typically divided into two main types that are primary and secondary. The distinction between these categories lies in their causes and the underlying factors that contribute to the condition.

1. Primary Glaucoma

It develops without a known cause and is caused by issues within the eye, particularly with drainage and pressure management.

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma (chronic glaucoma) – This is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage system between the iris and cornea remains open, but over time the drainage canal becomes blocked, leading to increased eye pressure. This type of glaucoma develops slowly and painlessly.
2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma (acute glaucoma) – This type of glaucoma happens when the angle between the iris and cornea narrows. This obstructs the eye drainage system. As a result, intraocular pressure rises quickly, causing severe pain, blurred vision, and nausea. It is a medical emergency that demands urgent treatment.
3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma – In this type of glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged even though intraocular pressure remains normal. The exact cause is not fully understood, but factors such as decreased blood to the optic nerve may contribute to the condition.
4. Exfoliative Glaucoma – This type of glaucoma is caused by flaky, abnormal material on the lens, which blocks the drainage system and leads to increase in intraocular pressure.

2. Secondary Glaucoma

It occurs when another condition or external factor, such as an injury, disease and medication, leads to the development of glaucoma.

1. Glaucoma due to injury – Eye injury can harm the eye drainage system. It can result in increased intraocular pressure and potentially lead to glaucoma.
2. Corticosteroids-Induced Glaucoma – Long term use of corticosteroid medications can raise intraocular pressure. It can lead to glaucoma.
3. Neovascular Glaucoma – This type of glaucoma happens when new blood vessels form on the iris and cover the drainage angle. This can happen due to conditions like diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion. These new vessels obstruct the drainage system, leading to increased eye pressure.

“Silent thief of sight”

The phrase “silent thief of sight” is often used to describe glaucoma, because it takes away your site without you even realizing it. It quietly and slowly damages vision without showing clear signs, especially in the early stage. This is why glaucoma is so dangerous. It is a condition that can go unnoticed for years, slowly stealing peripheral vision and only showing symptoms when it’s too late. That’s why regular eye exams are so crucial for prevention and management of glaucoma.

Some Common Misconceptions or Myths About Glaucoma

1. “Only older adults get glaucoma”

• Myth : Glaucoma only affects older adults.
• Fact : Although the risk rises with age, glaucoma can affect individuals of all ages, including children, with congenital glaucoma occurring at birth.

2. “If i have a normal eye pressure, I can’t get glaucoma”

• Myth : Normal intraocular pressure (IOP) guarantees protection from glaucoma.
• Fact : Normal-tension glaucoma causes optic nerve damage even with normal eye pressure, meaning normal IOP doesn’t prevent glaucoma.

3. “If you have glaucoma, you will eventually go blind”

• Myth : Glaucoma always leads to blindness.
• Fact : Early detection and treatment can slow or prevent vision loss from glaucoma, helping to manage the condition and prevent eyesight.

4. “Only people with a family history of glaucoma are at risk”

• Myth : If glaucoma dose not run in your family, it means you are safe.
• Fact : Even though family history plays a big role in the onset of disease, glaucoma can happen to anyone.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma (chronic glaucoma)

• No early changes in the vision
• Gradual loss of peripheral vision, leading to tunnel vision as the stage advances

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma (acute glaucoma)

• Severe eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Redness in eyes
• Coloured halos or rings around light

3. Normal Tension Glaucoma

• No early warning signs
• Gradual loss of peripheral vision

4. Congenital glaucoma (present at birth)

• Enlarged eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Corneal clouding
• Excessive tearing

5. Secondary glaucoma (caused by other conditions)

• Symptoms are based on underlying conditions
• Difficulty in night vision

Diagnosis

Diagnosing glaucoma requires a series of tests to assess intraocular pressure, optic nerve health and the overall structure of eyes. Diagnostic steps are as follow

1. Assessment of family history
2. Eye exam
   • Visual Acuity Test – To test vision clarity and detect vision loss.
   • Tonometry – It is the main test for glaucoma, as it measures intraocular pressure (IOP). A normal IOP is 16-21 mm of Hg.
   • Pachymetry – To measure the thickness of cornea.
   • Gonioscopy – It helps to identify if the angle is open or closed.
3. Optic Nerve Examination
   • Fundoscopy – It is called dilated eye exam. In this, an ophthalmoscope is used to examine optic nerve damage.
   • Optic Nerve Head (ONH) Evaluation – To check the change in shape or size of head of the optic nerve.
4. Visual exams
   • Perimetry – To test visual fields to detect blind spots or vision loss.
5. Imaging tests
   • Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM)

Management of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can be managed by

1. Regular eye exam
2. Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure.
3. Monitoring vision changes
4. Balanced diet
5. Stress management
6. Medications
   • Eye drops – Medications like prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors work to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).
   • Oral medication – Acetazolamide and other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be recommended as part of the treatment plan.
7. Surgeries
   • Trabeculectomy : Surgery to create a new drainage path for fluid, lowering IOP.
   • Tube Shunt Surgery : Insertion of a small tube to drain fluid and reduce pressure.
   • Laser Surgery : Laser treatments, like SLT, improve
   • Fluid drainage in the eye.

Ayurvedic Aspect

The eyes are often regarded as one of the most important sense organs, as vision plays a vital role in an individual’s intellectual and social growth. Ayurvedic texts emphasize this significance, with one such quote stating, “Once the vision is lost, the various aspects of the world become a single entity, that is, darkness” by Acharya Vagbhata. Ayurvedic texts such as the Sushruta samhita provide extensive description of eye disease and their treatment method. Adhimantha is an eye condition described in ayurveda, and it is often compared to glaucoma in modern medicine. If the condition known as Abhisyanda (conjunctivitis) is not treated properly, it can lead to adhimantha (glaucoma). One common symptom of adhimantha (glaucoma) is Tivra Vedana (severe eye pain), which occurs in all types of this condition. The symptoms can vary depending on which dosha (vata, pitta, kapha and rakta) is involved. According to ayurvedic texts, there are four types of adhimantha (glaucoma), they are as follow

1. Vataja Adhimantha – The symptoms of vataja adhimantha closely resembles those of Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG). Both conditions include a sensation of the eye being pulled out, blurred vision, one-sided headache, sharp pain in the eye, increased pressure, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. These overlapping symptoms highlight the similarity between vataja adhimantha and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG).
2. Pittaja Adhimantha – It also correlates with Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG). Its symptoms include the reddish appearance of the eyeball, people may experience excessive sweating and notice a yellowish tint to everything around them. The eyelid edge becomes swollen and inflamed.
3. Kaphaja Adhimantha – It is associated with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and presents with symptoms like swelling accompanied by a cold sensation, discharge and itching. Individuals may also experience a feeling of heaviness. Vision becomes difficult accompanied by eye pain, headache and nasal blockage.
4. Raktaja Adhimantha – It resembles Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG). It is characterised by eye redness similar to the colour of a Bandhuka flower (hibiscus flower). Other symptoms include tenderness, bleeding, sharp pricking pain and seeing flames in all directions. The cornea appears as it has been dipped in the blood. These signs indicate intense inflammatory response.

There is also a condition called Hata Adhimantha, which is similar to absolute glaucoma and is considered asadhya vyadhi (difficult to treat).

Treatment According To Ayurveda

सङ्क्षेपतः क्रियायोगो निदानपरिवर्जनम् | वातादीनां प्रतीघातः प्रोक्तो विस्तरतः पुनः || (Su.U.T. 2/25 )

This means that in Ayurveda, the primary approach to treating any disease is to eliminate or alter its nidana (cause). After that the treatment of vitiated doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) are done.

Treatment of adhimantha include a variety of ayurvedic therapies aimed at balancing the doshas (humors) and relieving symptoms. These include

• Snehapana (oil consumption) with medicated ghrita (ghee) like acha (only ghee), purana (old ghee) and triphala.
• Swedana (fomentation) with Bashpa swedana (steam fomentation) or upanaha swedana (herbal poultice) are commonly used to improve circulation and relieve tension.
• Virechana (purgation) is recommended with tilwak (Cissampelos pareira) ghrita.
• Nasya (nasal therapy) with anu taila are also prescribed.
• Aschyotana (eye drops) with herbs like manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), and triphala support vision.
• Dhumpana (smoking therapy) is done to reduce vitiated kapha.
• Additional treatments include Sira mokshana (bloodletting), Bidalaka (paste applications), and Kavalagraha (mouth rinse) with Kapha-reducing herbs can be done.
• Tarpana (eye nourishment therapy) and Putapaka (medicated heat therapy) therapies involve the use of herbal preparations for eye rejuvenation.

Herbal Remedies For Glaucoma By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company, ensuring that all its products are crafted under expert supervision using pure herbal extracts. The products are free from preservatives, which helps prevent any side effects. Planet Ayurveda offers traditional herbal formulations such as Angel Eye Vitale Cap, Bilberry Cap, Amalaki Rasayan Cap, and Green Essential Cap, specifically designed for managing glaucoma, all containing natural ingredients. Let’s have a look at them.

Product Description

1. Angel Eye Vitale Capsules

These capsules are carefully crafted with a unique combination of herbs that have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to support eye health. These include Amla (Emblica officinalis), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). Amla (Emblica officinalis), packed with Vitamin C, is not only an immune booster but also a powerful ally for your eyes. It helps protect the eyes from infections and oxidative stress while promoting overall eye health. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, aiding in the prevention of age-related eye issues. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) is known for its powerful eye-strengthening properties and is highly effective in enhancing vision.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules once or twice a day.

2. Bilberry Capsules

These Capsules are made using a standardized extract of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), a perennial plant commonly known as Whortleberry or Blueberry. Bilberries are rich in anthocyanosides, a compound that helps improve blood circulation in the arteries and veins. These capsules are considered beneficial for eye health, particularly in conditions like glaucoma, as they possess ama shodhan properties that help detoxify the body and support collagen production. This combination makes Bilberry Capsules a valuable supplement for maintaining healthy vision.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules once or twice a day.

3. Amalaki Rasayan

It is a natural supplement made from the standardized extract of Amla (Emblica officinalis), a fruit known for its high Vitamin C content. It’s a single herb capsule. Packed with antioxidants, it helps to protect your eyes from damage caused by oxidative stress, which can impact overall eye health. For those dealing with glaucoma, Amalaki Rasayan is especially beneficial. It aids in maintaining healthy eye pressure and supports the optic nerve’s function, helping to preserve vision. This simple yet powerful herbal remedy offers a gentle and effective way to take care of your eyes naturally.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with water, after a meal.

4. Green Essential

These capsules are made with herbs such as grape seed (Vitis vinifera), wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum), and amla (Emblica officinalis), all of which offer benefits for eye health, especially in managing glaucoma.  It protects the eyes from infections and oxidative stress while promoting overall eye health.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with water, after a meal.

Conclusion

In this article I concluded about glaucoma and its safest management with ayurveda. We discussed its causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, some myths about glaucoma, ayurvedic aspects and some herbal remedies by planet ayurveda. Prevention of eye disorders and preservation of eye health is very important because we gain maximum knowledge through the eye. With the early detection and right treatment, people with glaucoma can lead active and healthy lives.