Overview

Macular edema is a localized swelling in the macular area, leading to increased central retinal thickness. It accumulates in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) and may involve intracellular and extracellular retinal spaces. Additionally, Müller cell swelling has been seen. Macular edema is a non-specific sign or sequelae for various intraocular and systemic diseases.

Causes

Macular edema can be caused by various factors, including 

• Diabetic retinopathy 

• Macular degeneration

• Retinal vein occlusion 

• Retinal pigmentosa (RP), and eye surgery. 

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause

• Factors like smoking, overweight status, or heart disease can also contribute.

Symptoms

Macular edema is a painless condition characterized by 

• Blurred or wavy central vision

• Colors that appear different or faded

• Difficulty reading. 

• It is often untreated, leading to severe vision loss blindness, and unusual changes in object size.

Ayurvedic View

Timira- It is drushti gata roga (means disease that affects the eye vision). When dosha namely vata, pitta and kapha along with vitiated rakta, reach patala of eye (retina-macula) causes visual disturbance, this is macular oedema when there is shotha (swelling). If this is not treated or corrected then it can cause loss of vision. Ayurveda way of approach is to correct the root cause of this disease, bring dosha back to balance, reduce the symptoms by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and special local treatment done for eyes, so as person vision is improved.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Netratarpanam   Sekam  Ashchothanam   Putapakam   Vidalakam

Naturopathy Treatments

Eye packs   Mud therapy   Reflexology   Acupuncture   Diet therapy   Clinical yoga   Cyclic meditation Mind sound resonance technique   Pranayama   Kriyas