Leber’s optic atrophy is a hereditary problem usually transmitted through the mother, in which easy loss of central vision happens due to degeneration of nerve cells in the retina. This particular condition is generally observed in adult young males. The vision loss can be either acute or sub-acute, and it is generally observed in one eye, followed a few weeks to a few months later by the opposite eye. There is no certain treatment for this condition in the modern system of medicine. Conservative management of Leber’s optic atrophy incorporates regular monitoring and supervision, and also staying away from the use of ingredients which are identified to worsen this condition. These include the usage of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, along with medications as ethambutol and some anti hypertensive medicines.
Ayurvedic medications possess an unique role to play the management as well as treatment of Leber’s optic atrophy, since there is no specific treatment due to this condition in the contemporary method of medicine. Therapy involves the usage of higher doses of organic medicines that have a certain action on the retina, and which also strengthen the optic nerve. Based on the basics of Ayurveda, the eye is comprised of the’ Majja’ tissue in the body and therefore, most drugs that act on this particular tissue are just as beneficial in the management of vision damage because of Leber’s optic atrophy. Majja is closely associated with the’ Rakta’ tissue within the body and hence, by this reasoning, all herbal medicines which often act on the Rakta tissue are just as effective in the management of the situation.
Herbal medicines which happen to have a particular action on the eyes include Saptamrut Loh, Maha Triphala Ghrut,, Triphala Ghrut, Panchtikta Ghrut Guggulu and Punarnava Mandur. Medicines which have a direct action on the retina and optic nerve include Bruhat Vat Chintamani, Vasant Kusumakar Ras, Pathyadi Qadha, Dashmoolarishta, Saraswatarishta, as well Brahmin Vati. Organic mixture medicines along with herbo mineral medications that are helpful in the treatment of Leber’s optic atrophy includes Maha Manjishtadi Qadha, Lohasav, Heerak Bhasma, Abhrak Bhasma, Saarivadi Vati, and also Mandur Bhasma.
Sole herbal medications useful in the therapy of Leber’s optic atrophy include Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Haridra (Piper longum), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Triphala (Three fruits), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Usheer (Vetiveria zizanoidis), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pariera), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica), and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia),
Original treatment with Ayurvedic herbal medicines is important to bring about the highest possible enhancement and recovery in vision. Typically, medicines need to be given for extended periods ranging from twelve to eighteen months. The target of treatment is to manage the situation, avoid additional degeneration of nerve cells in the retina, stabilize, and also enhance the retina as well as optic nerve to the maximum extent feasible, so that maximum vision can be salvaged.
Oral therapy with herbal medicines can also be supplemented with localised therapy including an unique procedure known as Akshi Tarpan. This procedure will involve the retention of herbal, medicated oils as well as ghee (clarified butter) on the eyes for specific periods. Medicated herbal eye prostadine Drops reviews may in addition be used along with oral treatment. Ayurvedic organic treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management of Leber’s optic atrophy.