Treatment of Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) in Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

The eye is very sensitive not only to light and images but also to touch and pain. Therefore, problems with the eyes can often cause a conflict of symptoms, some of which are non-specific but others that can be diagnosed. Eye diseases can be divided into diseases caused by abnormalities in the eye, abnormalities of the ocular surfaces and abnormalities affecting the visual system. The article explains the information about different types of eye diseases.

INTRODUCTION

The damage to the surface layers of the eye- Cornea, Conjunctiva, and eyelids i.e. the ocular disease of the eye with symptoms such as red eye, foreign body, eyelid swelling, photophobia, and irritation. Corneal and conjunctival surfaces are sensitive. This will be a preventive measure that helps to avoid minor injuries at an early stage. There are various types of eye diseases including dry eye, blepharitis, neurotrophic keratitis, ocular rosacea, and meibomian gland dysfunction.

DISEASES OF OCULAR SURFACE WITH SYMPTOMS

1. Dry eye

Dry eye causes discomfort and poor vision when the tear film becomes unstable and recurs in the dry area of ​​the face, causing the face and face to become attached to evaporation.

Symptoms

1. Difficulty wearing contact lens
2. Eye irritation
3. Discomfort
4. Visual impairment with bone involvement
5. Red eyes
6. Watery eyes

2. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is the chronic inflammation of the margins of lids, appearing as a simple hyperaemia or as a true inflammation which may occur in two forms: Anterior and Posterior. Blepharitis caused by a parasite is called blepharitis acarica.

Symptoms

1. Occasional lacrimation
2. Swollen eyelids
3. Blurred vision
4. Sensitivity to light
5. Eye discomfort
6. Slow blinking
7. Redness of eyes

3. Neurotrophic keratitis

This occurs in some cases in which the trigeminal nerve is paralysed, typically as a result of radical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia (a type of chronic pain that involves severe and sudden facial pain) and leads to decreased corneal sensitivity. Only a few cases develop neurotrophic keratitis, the tendency being decreased if there is an adequate tear film.

Symptoms

1. Vision impairment
2. Photophobia
3. Lacrimation
4. Redness of eyes

4. Ocular rosacea

It is the inflammation that can cause eye redness, burning and itching. It usually occurs in patients with rosacea, a chronic skin condition that affects the face. Sometimes ocular rosacea is the first sign that you will have this face later.

Symptoms

1. Red eye
2. Excessive watering
3. Itching
4. Irritation
5. Blurred vision
6. Photophobia
7. Eyelid swelling

4. Meibomian gland dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a term used to describe a group of systemic and infectious diseases associated with dysfunction of the meibomian gland. MBD can cause tear changes, eye infections, eye and lid discomfort, and evaporative dry eye.

Symptoms

1. Burning sensation
2. Irritation
3. Dry eye
4. Watery eyes
5. Red eyes
6. Photophobia
7. Blurred vision

DIAGNOSIS

The following are the diagnostic test

1. Comprehensive eye exam- In this various eye tests are performed by a doctor to check out the abnormality of the eyes. It includes visual acuity, preliminary test, keratometry, refraction etc.
2. Schirmer test: It measures the amount of tears produced. If the value drops below 6 mm after 5 minutes, a diagnosis of dry eye can be made and the normal value is 10-25 mm.
3. Osmolarity test: It measures the osmolarity of your tears. It is done specially for dry eyes
4. Magnetic resonance imaging It is the technique to rule out the cause of neurotrophic keratitis.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF OCULAR SURFACE DISEASES

In Ayurveda Eye diseases are Netra roga. Synonyms of the eye are Netra, Chakshu, Nayana, Akshi Golaka etc. Netra pramanam (size) is1 angula (breadth of thumb).

Netra Kriya Kalpa (Treatment procedure)

In our Ayurvedic Samhitas, local treatment procedures of Netra are known as Netra Kriya Kalpa.

According to Acharya Charak

1. Bidalaka
2. Aashchyotana
3. anjanam

According to Acharya Sushruta

1. Seka
2. Aashchyotana
3. Pindi
4. Tarpana
5. Putpaka

CAUSES OF EYE DISORDERS (NIDANA OF NETRA ROGA)

According to Acharya Sushruta(सु .उ.त. 1/26-27)

The below-mentioned are causes of eye disorders.

1. Entering into the water after getting exposed to the heat of the sun.
2. Anger in excess
3. Excessive crying
4. Disturbed sleep.
5. Excessive grief
6. Strain
7. Injuries to eye
8. Excessive indulgence in sexual intercourse
9. Excessive consumption of horse and black gram.
10. Eye exposure to smoke leads to eye disorders.
11. Continuously viewing minute objects.

SAMPRAPATI (PATHOGENESIS)

According to Acharya Sushruta(सु .उ.त. 1/20)

By taking a false diet, the vitiated doshas travel through the Siras (Blood vessels) and then reach the upper parts of the body. After that, they afflict the eyes and cause dreadful diseases therein.

POORVAROOP OF EYE DISEASE (SIGNS)

According to Sushruta(सु .उ.त. 1/21-23)

1. Eye discharge
2. Anger, watery expression
3. itching
4. Eyelid adherence due to discharge
5. Eyelid aggravation
6. Burning
7. Stinging
8. Congestion
9. Difficulty in opening, and closing eyelids and improper visualisation

HERBAL MEDICINES FOR OCULAR SURFACE DISEASES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers you the best quantity and quality of Ayurvedic medicines. Planet Ayurveda, which is GMP-certified, gives you pure and natural products. The products are free from all kind of adverse effects and devoid of any additives, fillers and binders. You can check the herbal pack for Ocular Surface Diseases such as:

1. ANGEL EYE VITALE
2. SAPTAMRIT LOHA
3. JASNOOR EYES DROP
4. TRIPHALA GHRIT
5. AMALAKI RASAYAN

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. ANGEL EYE VITALE

Angel Eye Vitale is a polyherbal capsule. It contains an extract of Amla (Emblica officinalis), extracts of Gotukola (Centella asiatica) and extracts of Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). Amla is helpful in the prevention of cataracts. The high antioxidant content of amla juice helps fight free radicals and preserve collagen in the cornea. The extract of Gotukola prevents visual impairment.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules, once or twice daily.

2. SAPTAMRIT LOHA

Saptamrit is a herbal tablet that contains yashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), loha bhasma (Iron) etc. Yashti is helpful to cure the dryness of the eyes and also improves the health of the eye. Haritaki is a potent nerve tonic and it is useful in diseases like loss of eyesight and conjunctivitis. Amalaki is used because of its antioxidant property. Amalaki is also called Chakshusya (a rasayan for strengthening the eyes). Loha bhsam has great importance in eye disorders.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets, twice daily.

3. JASNOOR EYES DROP

It is one of the best eye drops which is very useful for eye health. It contains ingredients such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shobhanjana (Moringa oleifera), Bhringaraja (False daisy), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) and tulsi (Holy Basil). Neem is good for eye health and is also used to get relief from redness in the eye or irritation. Shobhanjana is used to treat eye allergies. Bhringaraja is useful for eyesight. Punarnava is useful in eye diseases such as corneal opacity, watery eyes and itching in the eyes. Nirgundi is used for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Tulsi can delay and even prevent the formation of cataracts.

Dosage: 1-2 drops in each eye 3 to 4 times daily or as directed by a physician.

4. TRIPHALA GHRIT

It contains herbs such as Triphala (Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), swarasa dravya (Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) etc, Kalka dravya- Munnaka (Vitis vinifera) etc. It is useful in the treatment of eye problems like eye pain with itching and eyelid-related diseases.

Dosage: 3 to 6 grams mixed with mishri or as prescribed by a doctor.

5. AMALAKI RASAYAN

It is a single herbal capsule that includes Amla (Emblica officinalis) which is a rich source of vitamin C. It works on the Pitta Dosha, that’s why it is beneficial for eye disorders. It is also an immunity booster herb. It provides energy to fight against any disease.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily.

CONCLUSION

Eye diseases are eye problems that are often associated with pitta dosha. Most of the time, pitta heaviness causes pain. But we can treat these diseases with herbs like Saptamrita loha, Amalaki rasayan, Triphala ghrit and Jasnoor Eye drops. In Panchakarma, Tarpan, ghee, nasya (oil from the nose) etc. All these drugs and procedures stimulate the blood vessels in our eyes, allowing us to see things more clearly.