Glaucoma is characterized by the damage to the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure, which gradually results in the complete loss of vision. The fluid between cornea and the iris of an eye should flow freely back and forth, while glaucoma will cause the fluid to be stuck in one’s eye, hence increasing eye inner pressure. The blockage will cause the damage to the eye’s nerve. For glaucoma treatment it is very important the disease is diagnozed earlier, when the current condition can be preserved as long as a patient is following doctor’s prescriptions. The modern medicine defines two types of glaucoma:
- Open-angle glaucoma:Being the most common type of the disease and considered to be hereditary, it is characterized by the gradual increase in eye pressure, which will end up in teh optic nerve and the eye retina being pushed back in the eye. Patients usually don’t suffer from eye pain, thus this condition can develop for a long time without being even noticed, however the result is the same – it is the lost vision. Apart from family history of glaucoma, one can suffer from this condition when certain types of eye drps and medications have been used.
- Closed-angle glaucoma:Here we deal with the blockaged fluid inside eyes, which leads to a sudden pressure rise, and can be evry painful. Usually it will affect both eyes, starting from one eye and gradually developing on another. As is the case with open angle type this glaucoma can be triggered by certain eye drops and medications intake.
- Primary congenital:This is diagnosed primarily in children, so it has only genetic mechanism of development. The eyes become enlarged and have a cloudy appearance.
Symptoms of Glaucoma:
The symptoms of glaucoma differ from one type to another and also may be misinterpreted as other eye diseases’s symptoms.
- Open-angle glaucoma: One will not show any specific symptoms but gradual loosing of vision, especially characterized as loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision) will be one of the signs of developing glaucoma.
- Closed-angle glaucoma: Redness and swell in eyes.
- Primary congenitalThis can be diagnosed in early stages in infants.
- Cloudy eyes.
- Eyes are enlarged.
- The eyes can become red sometimes and sensitive to light.
- Excessive secretion of tears.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Glaucoma
The imbalance of Kapha dosha is considered to be a primary reason of thus eye disorder by Ayurveda. Hence, to treat glaucoma one should balance out kapha dosha first, however, maintaining the balance of all three doshas is crucial for the general health according to Aurveda tradition. The combination of lifestyle habits, diet, exercising and natural remedies will result in better condition, however some late stages of glaucoma cannot be reverted back and treated completely nor by Ayurveda neither by the modern medican science. The proper nutrition for the eyes will be crucial for prevention and cure of glaucoma disease. The minimal intake of such vitamins as A, B, C and E and minerals like Copper, Selenium and Zinc are important for eyes. Ayurveda recommends to take these nutrients in a natural form. The vegetables and fruits suggested for glaucoma patients are guava, citrus fruits, parsley, strawberries, broccoli. These should be consumed on a daily basis.
- Punarnava leaves tea is considered very beneficial.
- Indian gooseberry or Amla taken with honey three times a day used for reduction of eyes’ tension.
- Tea made with Punarnava leaves is very beneficial if taken twice or thrice a day.
- Eyes cleansing Triphala remedy is considered to be one of the best treatments for glaucoma.
- Sufficient and regular water consumption is crucial for maintaining eye pressure.
- Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.
- Ayurvedic massage has many benefits to this eue disorder.
- Psychological health along with yoga and meditation proved to be efficient for blood circulation and general health, which will also benefit eyes.
- Exposure to sun is beneficial for eyes health, when taken moderately.
- Allow yourself to take regular breaks when working with a computer, reading, driving, watching TV.
Ayurveda provides a long term permanent relief without side effects, as the treatment is purely herbal and given that all health conditions besides glaucoma have been considered before any prescription made. However, some late stages of the glaucoma development cannot be reversed, and it is only client’s self-disciline in follorwing ayurvedic advices that can keep the development not progressing over time.
