Glaucoma is a host of conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, usually due to abnormally high pressure inside the eye. This is a result of too much fluid production or less-than-ideal drainage of aqueous humor; commonly referred to as Intraocular Pressure.
The optic nerve carries visual information back to the brain. This nerve, when damaged, may cause loss of vision permanently. At its extreme, an untreated case might even lead to complete loss of sight. Several forms of Glaucoma have been identified, and it is open-angle Glaucoma that is most commonly developed.
In Ayurveda, glaucoma is similar to ‘Adhimantha’; caused mainly by an imbalance of your body's natural energies or doshas. Ayurveda considers that glaucoma usually begins with Abhishyanda (inflammation and blockage of eye channels). This blockage causes accumulation of toxins in your body and in the channels of your eyes. When this occurs, pressure builds up in your eyes and damages your optic nerve.
Mostly, open-angle Glaucoma begins as a slow-occurring, pain-free disease process without easily notable symptoms. Likewise, angle-closure Glaucoma tends to develop acutely with sharp ocular pain, hazy vision, and nausea. A prompt eye examination can help with appropriate diagnosis of Glaucoma at an early stage.
You may not know this but glaucoma actually is a very complicated health condition. There are many kinds of Glaucoma and understanding which one you have can help you and your doctor choose the best treatment. The primary types you should know about are:
The most common type is open-angle glaucoma. This is the most common among adults. In this, you won't usually feel pain or have symptoms early on. The drainage channels in your eye stay open but the fluid does not drain out. This eventually builds up pressure and damages your optic nerve. You might lose your side (peripheral) vision first. This can be caught early with routine eye checkups.
This is a less common but more serious type. It occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked suddenly in your eye. You might suddenly experience severe eye pain, headaches, blurry vision or halos around lights. Some people also feel nauseous or vomiting. This is considered a medical emergency and you should immediately get help to avoid permanent vision loss.
In this case, your eye pressure stays normal but your optic nerve is damaged. Doctors do not understand why this happens although it's more typical if you have a family history of glaucoma or thin corneas.
This type generally happens because of other health problems like diabetes, eye injuries, or due to certain medicines like steroids. As per Ayurveda, this kind of glaucoma can be best controlled by dealing with the underlying problem.
This is a rare form of glaucoma seen in children and babies. You may notice your child has cloudy eyes, large-looking eyes, is frequently tearing or facing light sensitivity. You should always get this treated early to preserve their sight.
Ayurveda classifies glaucoma into several types depending on which dosha is most disturbed:
Glaucoma is basically caused by the inflammation of the optic nerve in your eye, usually because of high pressure within the eye. This damage can steal your vision, starting from the edges and moving inwards. Let us understand why this problem occurs.
Fluid Buildup Inside the Eye: Your eye makes a fluid called aqueous humor that is important for your eye health. This fluid drains out via a trabecular meshwork drainage system. If the fluid drains too slowly or not at all, the pressure within your eye rises. This increased pressure eventually damages your optic nerve.
The risk of developing glaucoma may be greater in case :
You may first experience blurry side vision, which we call peripheral vision. It might feel like you're looking through a narrow tunnel but your main vision is still clear.
In glaucoma, you may see rainbow-coloured rings or halos around lights, mostly at night. This can make night driving difficult or uncomfortable.
As pressure builds inside your eyes, you may experience heaviness, pain, or redness around your eyes.
In extreme cases, glaucoma can lead to severe headaches mostly around the eyes. The pain may be so severe that it can cause vomiting or nausea.
You may feel as if you have sand or dust in your eyes. Some people also report dryness and discomfort.
If you experience a sudden and severe visual loss in one or both your eyes, this may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma. This is a medical emergency that needs urgent attention.
In babies or young children, glaucoma can lead to cloudy eyes, excessive tearing and extreme sensitivity to light.
Common symptoms of glaucoma based on different types are:
Open-angle Glaucoma
The peripheral vision is slowly lost, tunnel vision in advanced stages.
Angle-closure Glaucoma
Acute eye pain, nausea and vomiting, sudden blurring of vision, seeing halos around lights, red eyes.
Congenital Glaucoma
Over-production of tears, sensitivity to light, bulging eyes.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Glaucoma using time-tested Ayurvedic methods. Our treatment plans are made in a customised manner to target the underlying causes of Glaucoma, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability.
Ayurveda offers a holistic and natural approach for the management of glaucoma. Ayurvedic treatment aims to balance your body’s doshas, drain excess fluid from your eyes, reduce pressure and prevent further damage to your optic nerve. There are some powerful Ayurvedic herbs and natural cures have been used for centuries to support eye health and manage glaucoma symptoms. The best herbs and formulations recommended in Ayurveda are:
One of the main herbs used in Ayurveda for the treatment of glaucoma is punarnava. It's a great diuretic which helps drain additional fluid from the eyes. This releases pressure inside the eye and protects your optic nerve from damage. Regular use of Punarnava can also prevent fluid buildup and support eye health.
Triphala is an Ayurvedic formulation containing three fruits: Amla, Haritaki & Bibhitaki. It can be used as a health supplement and as an eyewash. Triphala lowers intraocular pressure, eases eye inflammation and strengthens your optic nerve. Also, it is a very good antioxidant that protects your eye's delicate tissues from harm.
Amla or Indian gooseberry contains a good amount of Vitamin C and strong antioxidants. It defends your retina and optic nerve from oxidative stress and damage. Amla also strengthens the tissues and improves blood circulation in your eyes, making it useful for glaucoma management.
In Ayurveda, castor oil is used for eye issues. It helps to slow down the development of this condition. Castor oil is believed to aid in healthy vision and reducing dryness and inflammation. You can apply it as eye drops (under strict medical guidance) or rub it on the soles of your feet for best results.
Sesame oil is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment for glaucoma. It is generally taken nasally (3 to 4 drops) on an empty stomach to help balance your doshas and lower eye pressure. Sesame oil also strengthens your optic nerves if it is used regularly.
Cow ghee is considered nourishing for your optic nerves. Apply 2 drops of pure cow ghee in your eyes (under expert guidance) to prevent vision loss and strengthen your eye tissues. Ghee also reduces eye irritation and soothes inflammation.
Rose water is cooling and cleansing. Cleaning your eyes with rose water or putting a cotton ball with rose water over shut eyelids can reduce redness, irritation and heaviness in your eyes. It helps to relieve mild eye discomfort associated with glaucoma.
Ginkgo improves blood circulation to your optic nerve and the retina, decreases oxidative stress and helps to delay vision loss because of glaucoma. It is often provided as supportive therapy to elderly patients.
Bilberry is a therapeutic berry loaded with the flavonoid anthocyanins. It protects retinal ganglions and stabilises the optic nerve structure. Bilberry also improves blood flow in your eyes, decreases neuroinflammation and improves resistance to pressure-related damage in eyes.
Ayurvedic medicine offers an all-rounded approach in dealing with Glaucoma as it focuses on the regulation of Doshas and promoting healthy vision. Ayurvedic remedies may include medicinal herbs such as Triphala, Amalaki, and Bibhitaki, that have been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can promote eye health.
Additionally, panchakarma therapies focus on detoxification, for instance, Virechana (purgation), Nasya, etc., can be included in the treatment , helping improve blood flow and also being instrumental in reducing the intensity of the inflammation.
Likewise, subtle lifestyle as well as dietary modifications,alongside guided stress management in the form of yoga, meditation, and eye exercises may also be highly recommended alongside consumption and application of ayurvedic medicines for Glaucoma.
One of the key elements of an effective evidence-based ayurvedic treatment is the importance given to the need for a well balanced diet plan guided by a certified nutritionist as well as effective, impactful exercise, yoga and de-stressing therapies recommended by certified experts.
Can Glaucoma be cured?
No, Glaucoma cannot be cured but its progress can be slowed or stopped with early diagnosis and effective treatment guided by specialist doctors.
Is Glaucoma hereditary?
Yes, there is a genetic susceptibility to Glaucoma. Those with a family history of Glaucoma are at a higher risk.
How often should one get an eye checkup for Glaucoma?
It is advisable to have a comprehensive eye checkup every one to two years, especially when one is over the age of 40 or has previously noted risk factors associated with Glaucoma.
Can stress be a cause of Glaucoma?
Although stress does not cause Glaucoma per se, it can certainly exacerbate the condition. Relaxation techniques to reduce stress are thus useful.
Do Glaucoma medication have any side effects?
Yes, there are possibility for side effects of Glaucoma medications such as irritation of the eyes, redness of the eyes, blurring of vision, and a change in heart rate or blood pressure.
Can Ayurveda completely replace traditional Glaucoma treatment?
Ayurveda is not a substitute for conventional treatment, but it can definitely be used as an adjunct therapy. The treatment, therefore, should be conducted under the guidance of an ophthalmologist and a certified Ayurvedic doctor.
What are some useful eye exercises for Glaucoma patients?
Simple eye exercises like focusing on objects at different distances, doing eye rotations, and palming can increase the flexibility of the eye muscles and improve circulation.
Can diet alone control Glaucoma?
While diet plays a major role in maintaining eye health, it is unlikely that it would be able to manage Glaucoma alone. It should be a part of an effectiv, holistic treatment appoach towards treatment of Glaucoma.
Is Glaucoma more common among older adults?
Absolutely, the risk of having Glaucoma increases with age, especially after one reaches the age of 60.
Does smoking contribute to Glaucoma?
Yes, smoking may have the ability to increase one's chances of having Glaucoma and may make the condition worse. Smokers facing eye-problems are therefore advised to quit smoking.
