Macular Degeneration - Have Ayurveda For It!

Macular Degeneration is a condition in which the central part of the retina degenerates. In this condition, the posterior part of the eye, retina, is affected.

The central part of retina, macula, is associated with the central vision in the eye. The macula is responsible for controlling various abilities, such as distance perception, perceiving faces and colours, and identifying fine details of the objects. When this central part degenerates, the person slowly loses the ability to see clearly.

Such a condition can be treated with ayurvedic remedies.

Cause

The main cause of macular degeneration is the damage to the macula, the central part of the retina. This reduces the person’s ability to have a clear vision. This condition progresses with time and can result in complete blindness.

Type of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is of two types:

• Dry Macular Degeneration: In this condition, there is a change in the pigment of the macula. Moreover, small piles of waste products generated by cells also appear on the retina. These tiny waste piles deteriorate the retina over time. Among people affected by macular degeneration, almost 90 percent of people have “dry” macular degeneration. This condition is also called non-neovascular AMD (age-related macular degeneration)

• Wet Macular Degeneration: In this condition, new blood vessels begin to grow behind the retina in the choroid layer. That is why this condition is also referred to as Choroidal neovascularization (CNV). These new blood vessels are weak and begin to leak fluids, blood, and lipids (parts of cell structure). These leaks get into the layers of the retina and macula that results in scar tissue. Since wet macular degeneration is caused by leaking of fluids from newly formed blood vessels, it is also called neovascular AMD.  

Treating Macular Degeneration with Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, there are several types of herbal medications that ensure improving the vision quality and enhancing the overall quality of life of the patient.

Some of the eye supplements for macular degeneration is Ayurveda are:

• Triphala Guggulu: One of the most effective herbs in Ayurveda, it has an antioxidant effect that protects the eye against free radicals and treating macular degeneration.

• Shilajeet (Asphaltum): This herb is associated with anti-aging properties. It restricts the degenerative process in the eye that result due to the advancing age.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): For managing macular degeneration in India, this herb is used to regenerate macula and helps in restoring the vision.

• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): This herb protects the eyes from free radicals and prevents blindness due to macular degeneration.

• Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica): It is a source of vitamin C that prevents the deterioration of the retina and macula.

Take Away

Macular degeneration is caused due to the deterioration of the central part of the retina. It is caused either in the “dry” form or “wet” form. Dry AMD is common in people. Ayurveda can help in regenerating and restoring the functioning of retina and help is improving overall vision.