Glaucoma Natural Ayurveda Management

Glaucoma is a condition affecting the eyes. It is usually associated with the rise in the pressure inside the eye, a condition known as ocular hypertension. The natural treatment for glaucoma with the help of herbal Ayurvedic products can help to manage this disease symptoms. [1]

Glaucoma causes the damage to the optic nerve that carries signals from the eyes to the brain. 

There are two major categories of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and narrow-angle glaucoma. This classification is based on the state of the drainage angle in the eyes that regulates the outflow of the aqueous fluid, which is continually produced inside the eye. The condition is called the open angle glaucoma when the aqueous fluid can access the drainage angle and it is called the narrow angle glaucoma when the angle is blocked making the aqueous fluid unable to reach it.

The open angle glaucoma is further classified into primary open-angle glaucoma, open angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma. The variations of narrow-angle glaucoma include neovascular glaucoma, acute angle closure glaucoma, and chronic angle closure glaucoma. 

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

The common signs and symptoms of glaucoma are as follows:

• Moderate to severe eye pain

• Blurring of vision

• Redness of the eyes

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision

• Light appears to have a halo-like glow around it

Natural Ayurvedic Treatment  options For Glaucoma

Below is the list of natural ayurveda herbs used traditionally for eye conditions like glaucoma. These herbs may help to relieve the symptoms of this disease and improve the vision of the patients.

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava  possesses diuretic properties, which  can help to control this condition by allowing the drainage of the excess fluid from the eyes. This can help to reduce the intraocular pressure. [2]

Triphala: Triphala herb can be used orally and as eyewash. It can help to protect the vision by reducing the intraocular pressure in the eyes. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. [3]

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): Amla may offers an natural glaucoma treatment in Ayurveda. It contains vitamin C, which can produces an antioxidant action. It can acts an eye tonic. It can improves the vision. [4]

In a research presented by Harpreet Grover et al highlights the uses of Indian Gooseberry in the treatment of glaucoma. According to the research the juice of Indian Gooseberry with honey can  be useful in preserving the eyesight. It can reduces intra-ocular tension.   

Guggul (Commiphora wightii): Guggul  can help to manage this disease symptoms by producing an anti-inflammatory action. It prevents inflammation in the eyes.

In a research conducted by Shweta Agrawal and Manjusha Rajagopala on glaucoma it was found that both punarnava and guggul can be beneficial for the treatment of this disease. A group of patients was divided into two groups A and B. Group A was administered with some ayurvedic procedures locally and then was given punarnava in the form of punarnavashtaka kwatha and guggul in the form of gokshuradi guggul internally for 52 days, and has shown good results in the symptoms of glucoma.

Curcumin: Curcumin can be used for an herbal treatment for glaucoma. Curcumin is an ingredient present in turmeric. It can acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces inflammation in the eyes. It can be a strong antioxidant. It can help destroy the free radicals. The regular use of curcumin can improve the vision. [5]

Is Glaucoma managable In Ayurveda?

Ayurveda believes that Glaucoma occurs due to the disturbance in the Kapha dosha in the thick fluid surrounding the cornea and it can be avoided by correcting the imbalance of the Kapha dosha. The glaucoma natural treatment diet can be consists of foods that can maintain the balance of the kapha doshas. It also contains foods that provide the vitamins needed for improving vision. 

References:

Shweta Agrawal, Manjusha Rajagopala, ‘Clinical Study on Primary Open Angle Glaucoma with Ashchyotana Tarpana and Oral Medication’, Research Gate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324650908_Clinical_study_on_primary_open-angle_glaucoma_with_Ashchyotana_Tarpana_and_oral_medication

Harpreet Grover, Himanshu Deswal, Yogender Singh, Amit Bhardwaj, ‘Therapeutic Effects of Amla in Medicine and Dentistry- A Review’, Research Gate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287972436_Therapeutic_effects_of_amla_in_medicine_and_dentistry_A_review