Overview

Macular degeneration primarily affects elderly people because it causes damage to the macula of the retina. 

Two different types arise: 

Dry (nonexudative or atrophic): This is the initial stage of all forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Approximately 85% of AMD patients only have dry AMD. 

Wet (exudative or neovascular): 15% of individuals have wet AMD. Even though wet AMD only affects 15% of patients, wet AMD accounts for 80–90% of AMD-related severe vision loss.

Retinal pigment epithelium changes caused by dry AMD are usually visible as dark pinpoint areas. Choroidal neovascularization, the process by which new, abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina, is the cause of wet AMD. 

Causes

• Age -  People over 50 are prone to developing ARMD. 

• Diet and Nutrition -  inadequate diet and lack of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

• Genetics, smoking, and other conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension. 

• The development of ARMD may be influenced by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 

Other causes include chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, and women seem to be significantly more vulnerable. 

Symptoms

AMD in its early or intermediate stages can show up as asymptomatic or as decreased or blurred vision in one or both eyes. At first, this could show up as trouble reading or driving. Blind spots and visual distortion are further signs of AMD. 

Ayurvedic View

Chakshurendriya gata vata-due to ageing,there is vata dosha dominance,along with vrudhi(aggravation )of  vata dosha by following vata kar ahara (food),vihara(activities),vata takes sthana(settles )in akshi,it does shoshana(depletion) of dhatus(tissues),supporting chakshu(eyes) leading to alpa (minor )drushti nasha(impaired vision) which on progression can cause purna(complete vision loss).Ayurveda way of approach is to bring dosha back to prakruta avastha(balance state),nourish the chakshu(eye),improve the function of chakshurendriya(eye).

Ayurvedic Treatments

Nasyam   Anjanam   Netra Sekam   Tarpanam   Aschotanam   Pudapakam

Naturopathy Treatments

Enema  Chromotherapy   Magnetotherapy   Pranayama   Kriyas   Trataka