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MYOPIA etiology and natural treatment as per ayurveda: A review

Nisha*1, Lokesh2

1Department of Shalakya Tantra, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Rewa (M.P), India. 2Department of Kaumarbhritya, Govt. Ayurved College, Rewa (M.P), India.

Abstract

Myopia is an eye disease in which patients feel unable to see objects at a distance; is also known as short sightedness. These conditions may occur due to the change in curvature of refracting surface of the eye. Some neuronal problem may also be responsible for this disease. A part of the clinical features of the Timira, Kacha, and Linganasha complex can be correlated with myopia. Recently this problem seeks great attention by many researcher and various studies have been performed to evaluate disease treatment protocol. Ayurveda also describes problem in its branch Shalakya and suggested many treatment options. This article takes a look on recent advanced investigations on disease as per Ayurveda.

Key words: Myopia, Timira, Refractive Errors.

*Corresponding author: Department of Shalakya Tantra, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Rewa (M.P), India. Email:

nishaagrahari89@gmail.com

Introduction

The branch of Ayurveda that is related to the diseases of eye, ear, nose and throat is known as Shalakya. Myopia is the most common disease of eye in young children. As per ayurveda the features related to visual disturbances are seen in Drishtigata Rogas. The visual disturbances can be correlated under the broad heading of the Timira – Kacha – Linganasha complex. A part of the clinical features of Timira (first and second Patala) can be correlated with the most important refractive error, which is myopia. Avyakta Darshana is a symptom produced due to affliction of the first Patala, this may refer initial stage of myopia. The difficulty in distant vision is seen when the vitiated Doshas are prompt in the upper part. The Vihwala Darshana symptom is produced due to the affliction of the second Patala that occurs due to progressive myopia. Drug classified under Chakshushya Varga of ayurvedic classics, therapeutic procedures and specified diet plan to improve disease conditions. Ayurveda also

recommends Yoga) like Mahatiphala Ghrita, Amalaka Rasayana ) and Kriyakalpa like Tarpan & Nasya as effective treatment options of eye problem. This article presents some of these Ayurvedic approaches for the treatment of myopia. [1-4]. Tarpana with Mahatriphaladya Ghrita Mahatriphaladya ghrita was mentioned by Chakradatta in the context of Timira chikitsa for Tarpana. The ingredients of Ghrita are Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Rertz.), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica Roxb.), Aamalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba L.), Vasa (Adhatoda zeylanika Medic), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Pippali (Piper longum Linn.), Mishri, Draksha (Vitis vinifera Linn.), Neelakamala (Nelumbo nucifera), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.), Kshirakakoli (Fritillaria roylei-Hook.f), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea Roxb.), Kantakari (Solanum surratense), Ghrita (ghee), and goat milk. Tarpana provides significant relief in the

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symptom of myopia & also helpful in decrease of progression of the disease. Nasya with Abhijit Taila It is indicated in Timira as Nasya. Its contents are Aamalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.), Tila Taila (Sesamum indicum) and Godugdha (cow's milk). Nasya improved overall clarity of vision. Nasya followed by Tarpana was found to have better results than only Tarpana [5]. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) The juice of Emblica officinalis with honey is useful in preserving eyesight. It is beneficial in the treatment of eye problems including myopia. It reduces intraocular tension in a remarkable manner. Also improves short sightedness, cataract and glaucoma. The biological activity of drug towards the eye problem may be attributed to the presence of Vitamin ‘C’ and many other phytoconstituent like; flavonoids and tannins [6]. Rasayana Churna Rasayan Churna is described in Ashtanga Hridaya as Rasayana which is used for improving strength. It contain Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki ((Emblica officinalis) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Study reveals that Rasayana Churna possesses relief in symptoms related to myopia like double vision, haziness and glare. The various constituents of Rasayana churna shows different effect on eye like; Amalaki possesses chakshushya effect, Guduchi and Gokshura gives

strength to the eye but Amalaki was considered as chief constituent responsible for significant relief in myopia. Investigations concluded that Rasayana Churna can be considered as curative and preventive measure in refractive errors like myopia. Study also confirmed that Rasayana Churna can be used in childhood to prevent myopia. [7]. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an oil yielding crop which is a member of the family Compositae or Asteraceae. In India, it is most commonly known as Kusum in hindi. Safflower plant is bushy, herbaceous and possesses several branches. Various studies have been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Safflower in various diseases including eye problem. It has been observed that eye drops of Safflower reduce myopia, especially in children; this activity of Safflower may be attributed to its oily constituents which reduces dryness and enhance cleanliness on vision [8]. Conclusion Ayurveda, myopia is known as Drishti Dosha is the condition in which the lens of the eye changed significantly. Ayurveda suggest many treatment options for disease. Amalaki is commonly used by for the treatment of disease in the form of Churna as Triphala. Mahatriphala Ghrita and Abhijit Taila also used for Tarpana ans Nasya therapy respectively for the treatment of myopia. Similarly Safflower and Rasayana Churna are another natural options prescribed by ayurveda.

Figure 1. Different type of refractive errors including myopia

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Ayurveda also suggest some lifestyle guideline to control disease progress like: Patient should not strain his eyes during his

studies, Patient should avoid any kind of food that is

difficult to digest. Cow’s ghee is a recommended food as it

helps in improving eye power. Patient should avoid late night sleep and

alcohol. The article revealed that the natural approaches along with other treatment options helpful in improving visual acuity besides achieving symptomatic relief in myopia cases. Reference: 1. F.W.Newell Ophthalmology-Principles and

Concepts, 5th Ed. C. V. Mosby Co., St. Louis. 1982.

2. Padmini Hand book of Ophthalmology, Dr. Padmini Bangalore. 1994.

3. 4. Ashtanga Hridayam, Upadhyaya YV., editors. Uttar Tantra, 20/1. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthana; 2003. Vidyotini Hindi Teeka; p. 127.

4. 4. N.Srikantl, Mridula Dual, Praveen Bansal, D.K.Mishra, a Clinical Study on Role of Netra

Kriya Kalpas (Topical Ocular Therapies) and Internal Medication in Myopia (Timlra-Hraswa Drishti) Jr.As., 2005; XXVI (3-4): 43-53.

5. Durgesh Prasad Gupta, Manjusha Rajagopala, Kartar Singh Dhiman, A clinical study on Akshitarpana and combination of Akshitarpana with Nasya therapy in Timira with special reference to myopia, Ayu. 2010; 31(4): 473–477.

6. K.P. Sampath Kumar, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta Srivastava, Lokesh Deb, Recent Trends in Potential Traditional Indian Herbs Emblica officinalis and its Medicinal Importance, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2012; 4 (1): 25.

7. Dunghav Manisha G., Chakshushya Effect of Rasayana Churna on Refractive Errors; a Case Study, IAMJ, 2014; 2 (4): 1.

8. Tao Genyu. Observation on the curative effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine myopic agent mixed with boiled water for treatment of false-nature myopia of youngsters [in Chinese]. Bull. Shanxi Coll. of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1990; 13(2):46-48.