The cornea is one of the most complicated, sophisticated, and delicate parts of the human eye. Its optical clearness plays a key role in normal vision. Sometimes, it loses its transparency and lands into a clouded condition that makes it opaque.
The condition is known as corneal scarring, it may be temporary or permanent. In this write-up, we will take a closer look at this disease and its treatment from an Ayurvedic point of view.
What Is Corneal Scarring?
Corneal scarring is the loss of transparency of the cornea. It is a serious condition that needs to be treated without any delays. The Ayurvedic term for this condition is Avrana Shukra which is a special class of vision-related vyaadhi.
Modern science has limited knowledge and treatment options with respect to corneal scarring. Ayurvedic literature explained the modalities of corneal scars and their management ages ago. The Ayurvedic treatment for corneal scarring is a highly recommended and accepted approach as it treats the disease by root without any side effects.
Symptoms of Corneal Scarring
To begin with, there are a few primary symptoms of corneal scars that must be noted for proper diagnosis. You must visit a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Blurry vision
- Excessive tearing
- Eyelid swelling
- Red eyes
- High sensitivity to light
- A constant feeling of something in your eye
- A scratchy or burning sensation in your eyes
Diagnosis of Corneal Scars
Corneal ulcers can be treated if they are diagnosed at the initial stage. With respect to the prognosis of this disease, if it is present in the first layer of the cornea it can be cured easily. But if the disease progresses to the second or third layer, it cannot be cured. The doctor will check your medical history and conduct some eye tests to confirm the condition.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Corneal Scars
Ayurveda focuses on all aspects of a patient’s life to treat the underlying problem. Corneal scarring in Ayurveda is treated with rectification in diet (Ahara), lifestyle (vihara) and medicinal or surgical therapies (aushadhi).
Sushruta has stated that corneal scars or Avrana Shukra can be treated with medicines and Panchakarma therapies. But treatments need to be strategized as per the condition of the patient. Here are some common strategies used in the process:
- Lekhana Karma: Also known as the scraping treatment, it is considered useful in the treatment of corneal scars as well as ulcers. Surgeries are prohibited in this case due to the delicate nature of the cornea. Scraping is advised in the initial stage of scars as it can halt the progress of the disease.
- Santarpana and Apatarpana Treatment: These are nourishing treatments that help in the restoration of corneal transparency.
- Ruksha or Snigdha Upakrama: This strategy includes the use of drying therapies that treat the Shukra disorder, the primary cause of the corneal scars.
- Anjana: It involves the usage of medicinal herbs on eyes that detoxify them and restore their natural, healthy state.
In terms of doshas, corneal scarring results from Vata based disorders. There are some specific Panchakarma therapies that are used in the treatment of this condition:
- Pindi: A combination of herbs is applied to both eyes under a cotton bandage. These medicinal herbs are known to improve the blood circulation of the eyes and open up the clogged tear channels. It is an excellent therapy that has shown effective results in corneal scarring treatment.
- Nethradhara: This method involves the usage of natural coolants and Ayurvedic powders. The medicines used in this process not only help in improving eye health but also provide relief from nerve exhaustion, tiredness, and over-exertion. It is equally effective in the treatment of corneal scars in the initial stage.
- Shirodhara: One of the best and most widely recommended treatments, this treatment is carried out at the beginning of night or day. The patient needs to lie down on his or her back and then approx. 2 litres of warm oil is slowly poured over the eyebrows in a wavering manner. The process needs precision, so it is advised not to try at home. Please reach out to a proper Ayurvedic hospital and let them help you.
Preventions for Corneal Scars
Prevention is always better than cure. It is possible to prevent scarring in the cornea through some simple preventive measures:
- Learn to focus on personal hygiene with respect to your eyes.
- Wash your eyes with clean water whenever you return home from outside.
- Never wipe your eyes with dirty clothes.
- Use plenty of vitamin A-rich food items in your diet.
- If you are having any trouble with your eyes, get into the habit of eating Amla every day.
- Triphala is known to keep most problems including eye diseases away. If possible try to take a tablespoon of it every day before going to sleep or first thing in the morning.
- Wear glasses whenever you are in a polluted area and avoid exposing your eyes directly to any contagious environment.
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