Glaucoma, which is the second leading cause of blindness among eye diseases. Often referred to as the "Silent Thief of Vision," Glaucoma gradually reduces peripheral vision without displaying other noticeable symptoms. It is typically detected during later stages or when a patient consults an ENT specialist for another condition.
The eye has a natural pressure called Intraocular Pressure (IOP) generated by the fluid known as Aqueous Humor within the eye. This pressure maintains the eye's structure, and the normal IOP ranges from 12 to 20 mmHg. When the IOP gradually increases, it can constrict the nerves in the eye, resulting in peripheral field vision loss, which is characteristic of Glaucoma. Another variation, known as "Normal Tension Glaucoma," involves nerve damage and peripheral vision loss without an increase in IOP.
Glaucoma can be categorized into two main types: Primary Glaucoma and Secondary Glaucoma. Primary Glaucoma is further divided into Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma. Primary Glaucoma refers to Glaucoma occurring without the association of any other disease, while Secondary Glaucoma is related to or develops as a complication of other ophthalmic diseases. Examples of Secondary Glaucoma include Neurovascular Glaucoma associated with Diabetic Retinopathy and Traumatic Glaucoma caused by eye injuries.
Now, let's explore Ayurvedic treatments for Glaucoma, which can be divided into two phases. In the first phase, the focus is on reducing IOP and managing vision loss. Treatment modalities such as Anjanam or Collinum (application of herbal wicks or Rasakriya to the eyes), Avagundanam or Netra Kizhi (applying herbal poultice with mild heat over the eyelids), Pindi (application of herbal paste over the eye), Nasyam (nasal medication), Kabalam (gargling therapy), and Talam (application of herbal oil on the head) are employed. These treatments help eliminate accumulated doshas, purify the eyes, reduce IOP, and alleviate pain, redness, and improve vision.
In the second phase of treatment, techniques like Tarpanam (filling the eye with herbal-infused ghee), Putapakam (wrapping triturated herbs in specific leaves and extracting the juice), Shirovasti (retaining medicated oil on the head), and Shirodhara (pouring a continuous stream of medicated oil on the forehead) is used to strengthen the nerves of the eye and enhance vision.
Nayanamritam Kuzhampu is an Ayurvedic eye drop that is believed to be used for the treatment of various eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataract, and eye muscle-related disorders. Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine originating from India, utilizes herbal ingredients and natural substances in its formulations
The inclusion of honey in Nayanamritam Kuzhampu may help in promoting eye health and supporting the effectiveness of the eye drop. However, it's important to note that the specific role and mechanism of honey in this formulation may vary and should be understood in the context of Ayurvedic principles and practices.