Glaucoma Natural Ayurvedic Treatment

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 in a safe and effective way.

Glaucoma causes the damage to the optic nerve that carries signals from the eyes to the brain. If not treated properly, glaucoma can cause a loss of peripheral vision and lead to blindness. It may also lead to macular degeneration and cataracts. The natural cure for glaucoma is beneficial in maintaining the normal intraocular pressure thereby preventing these complications.

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. Ayurveda offers a natural treatment of glaucoma that is beneficial in both the forms of this condition. The risk factors of glaucoma are discussed below:

The incidence of open-angle glaucoma and the risk of blindness associated with it is higher in the African-Americans. The risk is higher in the people above the age of 60 years and those suffering from diabetes or hypothyroidism. The patients who have undergone an eye surgery are also at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

A long-term use of corticosteroids for the treatment of autoimmune diseases can also make a person prone to develop this disease. Hence, patients are advised to use the herbs recommended by Ayurveda, the system of Indian medicine, instead of relying on the corticosteroids to treat autoimmune disorders to reduce their risk of glaucoma and the other side effects caused by the same.

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

Ayurveda recommends treating glaucoma naturally using herbs to obtain relief from these symptoms and to prevent the complications such as cataract and blindness.

Can Glaucoma Be Cured

The gradual loss of vision caused due to glaucoma instills the fear in the minds of patients about can glaucoma be cured. The allopathic treatment for this disease includes the use of medications or laser therapy depending on the severity of the symptoms. Patients may also be prescribed eye drops that are aimed at lowering the intraocular pressure. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

However, there are several reasons for the failure of these treatments such as the tendency of the patients for the non-compliance with the program. Most patients do not take the medications regularly especially if the pain caused due to the disease is not severe or stop the treatment because of the discomfort caused due to the eye drops.

Ayurveda offers eye supplements for glaucoma, which help to manage this disease without causing any discomfort. Hence, patients who are apprehensive about how to cure glaucoma are advised to seek an ayurvedic treatment to ensure holistic recovery. 

Natural Remedies For Glaucoma

Below is the list of natural remedies for glaucoma that help to relieve the symptoms of this disease and improve the vision of the patients. The use of herbal eye drops for glaucoma can also help to maintain the intraocular pressure within normal limits and thus, prevent worsening of the condition. 

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava is one of the best ayurvedic herbs for treating glaucoma. It possesses diuretic properties, which help to control this condition by allowing the drainage of the excess fluid from the eyes. This helps to reduce the intraocular pressure and prevents damage to the optic nerve. This herb also helps to prevent vision loss and reduces pain in the eyes.

Triphala: Triphala provides an effective answer to the question of can glaucoma be reversed naturally. This 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 and prevents damage to the retina, optic nerve, and other ocular tissues. Triphala is also beneficial in controlling the disorders that can increase the risk of glaucoma such as diabetes and ocular hypertension.

Amala (Phyllanthus emblica): Amala offers an effective glaucoma treatment in Ayurveda. It contains vitamin C, which produces an antioxidant action and protects the ocular tissues against the damage caused by the free radicals. It acts an eye tonic. It improves the vision and regulates the flow of blood through the eyes thus preventing an increase in the intraocular pressure. Amala also helps to prevent damage to the optic nerve and the retina. This helps to reduce the risk of blindness and retinal damage.

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 is very useful in preserving the eyesight. It reduces intra-ocular tension in a remarkable manner. Juice mixed with honey can be taken twice daily for this condition.  

Guggul (Commiphora wightii): Guggul is one of the best herbal remedies for glaucoma. It helps to treat this disease by producing an anti-inflammatory action. It prevents inflammation in the eyes and prevents damage to the retina and the optic nerve. It also prevents vision loss.

In a research conducted by Shweta Agrawal and Manjusha Rajagopala on glaucoma it was found that both punarnava and guggul are very 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. Group B was administered with modern anti-glaucoma eye drops and was kept under observation for two months. At the end of the study it was found that both the chosen medicine were effective but better results were observed in group A as both the medicine were administered here. So it can be safely said that just the use of local IOP reducing eye drop is not sufficient to stop the progression of primary open-angle glaucomatous optic atrophy.

Curcumin: Curcumin can be used for an effective herbal treatment for glaucoma. Curcumin is an ingredient present in turmeric. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces inflammation in the eyes. It is a strong antioxidant. It destroys the free radicals and thus, prevents the damage to the ocular tissues. The regular use of curcumin can improve the vision. It can also prevent the complications of glaucoma such as cataract, retinal damage, and blindness. 

Is Glaucoma Curable In Ayurveda?

Patients who would like to know is glaucoma curable in Ayurveda would be relieved to know that regular use of herbs recommended by this indicant system of medicine can provide significant relief from this disease.

The ayurvedic doctors at our Melbourne wellness centre can help the patients to get rid of the pain and other symptoms caused due to this disease by prescribing herbal medications and a glaucoma natural treatment diet.

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 consists of foods that can maintain the balance of the kapha doshas. It also contains foods that provide the vitamins needed for improving vision. One of very important treatment in Ayurveda called Akshi Tarpan is always useful in the eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract etc.

Our ayurvedic doctor in Melbourne offers a holistic management for the patients with glaucoma that is aimed at preserving their vision and preventing the complications of this disease. Patients with glaucoma can seek treatment with ayurvedic medicine in Australia to ensure natural and better results.

The doctors at our best ayurvedic clinic in Melbourne prescribe ayurvedic herbal medications that can reduce the symptoms of glaucoma and also help to improve the overall health of the patients. 

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

Dr. Gurnam Saini

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

MD Alternative Medicine

Panchkarma Detox Expert