Ayurvedic treatment for CRAO - CRVO Eye Vision

Eyes are most sensitive and important part of our body. These are eyes with whom we can see all the beautiful creations of world. Close your eyes and there is only darkness. It is important to take care of your eyes. You can't even imagine the pain of those people who have problems in vision or lost their vision. Ayurveda has the detailed chapter regarding the netra gat rog ( eyes complications). Netra gat rog are due to the vitiation of tridoshas primarily vata dosha further associated with pitta and kapha dosha.

There are various herbs indentified in Ayurveda which help to strength the blood vessels and improve the blood circulation. Herbs like Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) which are considered as the good Ayurvedic treatment for CRAO -CRVO eye vision.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)

Central retinal artery occlusion is characterized by the sudden, unilateral and painless loss of vision. Occlusion may affect the retinal artery as well as the central retinal artery. This condition occurs when the central retinal artery gets blocked which is responsible to carry the blood to retina. Blockage may occur due to an embolism or thrombosis. Embolus can be formed because of atherosclerotic plaques, endocarditis, fat and atrial myxoma. Whereas, thrombosis is the less common cause of Central retinal artery occlusion.

Symptoms of CRAO

Symptoms last for few seconds or minutes or may be permanent:

• Sudden loss of vision in one eye.
• Sudden blurring in one eye.
• Gradual loss of vision in one eye over a few weeks
• Blood clots in the eyes also may be the warning.

Causes of CRAO

Retinal artery blockage occurs when there is the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) in eye due to the blood clot formation or fat deposition.

Mostly blockages occur in people due the conditions which are listed below:

• Carotid artery disease is the condition in which the two large blood vessels in the neck become narrowed or blocked.
• Temporal arteritis (damage to arteries occurs due to an immune response)
• Diabetes
• Heart rhythm problems.
• Heart valve problem
• High levels of fat in the blood (hyperlipidemia)
• High blood pressure
• Intravenous drug abuse

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is the disease in which central retinal vein gets blocked or occluded which causes the vein to leak excess fluid and blood into retina. This fluid gets accumulated in that area of retina (macula) which is responsible for central vision. So when there is the impairment of macula, central vision becomes blurred.

There are two type of CRVO

1. Non-ischemic CRVO - It is the less severe condition of CRVO and there is limited obstruction of blood flow in the capillaries. Macular edema may occur in this form.
   
2. Ischemic CRVO - It is a severe form of CRVO that may lead to the vision loss. In this condition retinal capillaries get obstructed widely.

Symptoms of CRVO

CRVO are often sudden and painless which are listed below:

• Blurred vision
• Cloudy vision
• Distorted or wavy vision
• Sudden and complete loss of vision
• Tiny dark spots may appear in area of vision

Causes of CRVO

• Atherosclerosis which is the hardening of the arteries.
• Glaucoma,  by which optic nerve is damaged that’s usually caused by increased pressure
• Macular edema.
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Blood disorders that affect clotting.

Other causes

• Smoking.
• People above the age of 60.

Planet Ayurveda's treatment for CRAO - CRVO

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing company which is located in Mohali ( near Chandigarh) India. This company was established on this belief that herbs have amazing properties to resolve the ailment without causing any negative impact on health. Planet Ayurveda offers the four herbal products for the management of CRAO – CRVO.

List of products

1. Bilberry Capsules
2. Angel Eye Vitale
3. Gotukola Capsules
4. Arjuna Capsules

Herbal Remedies for CRAO - CRVO

Product Description

1. Bilberry Capsules

Bilberry capsules are the good Ayurvedic management for CRAO - CRVO. These capsules are obtained from pure herb named as Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Bilberry is known to be an effective herb to treat the CRAO- CRVO. This herb is packed with anti oxidant properties and also helps to strengthen the muscles of eyes. It is also good to improve the blood circulation in all parts of body.

Dosage: one capsule two times in day with milk or water after meals.

2. Gotukola Capsules

Planet Ayurveda offers an Ayurvedic product named as the gotukola capsules for the management of CRAO -CRVO. These capsules are prepared from the pure extract of herb Gotu kola (Centella asiatica). These capsules are 100% pure and free from any side effects. Use of this herb is good to resolve the vision complications like CRAO and CRVO. This herb helps to strengthen the weakened veins and arteries. This herb helps to remove the obstructions in blood vessels and also provides the relief in the symptoms like wavy vision or blurred vision.

Dosage: Two capsules, two times in a day after meals with plain water.

3. Arjuna Capsules

Arjuna capsules are the good Ayurvedic support for CRAO -CRVO. These capsules are prepared from the pure extract of herb Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is very effective herb to resolve the obstruction and occlusion in blood vessels of eye. It is packed with anti oxidant properties and provides strength to veins and arteries of eyes. It also prevents the clot formation in blood vessels of eyes.

Dosage: One capsule two times daily with plain water.

4. Angel Eye Vitale

Angel eye vitale is an amazing Ayurvedic supplement of Planet ayurveda which is good for vision complications and various patients are benefited with the use of this product. It is basically vitamin and mineral rich Ayurvedic formulation for eyes. Vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) are the major ingredients of this Ayurvedic product. These all ingredients provide the proper nutrition to eyes, improve the blood circulation and provide the strength to blood vessels.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

CRAO disease of eye followed by sudden painless loss of vision occurring, when one of the vessels carrying blood to retina of eye gets blocked mainly because of embolus. The ophthalmic artery is the first branch of the internal carotid artery which splits into the posterior ciliary and central retinal arteries which supply the eye. In case of CRAO there is an occlusion of the central retinal artery causing a profound vision loss.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

CRVO disease of eye which occurs when the central retinal vein get occluded, or blocked, obstructing retinal blood flow from the eye affecting visual acuity, the sharpness or clarity of vision.

CRVO can be divided into 2 clinical types, ischemic and non-ischemic.

1. Non-Ischemic CRVO

In case there is very limited obstruction of blood flow in the capillaries. Complications such as macular edema can occur in the non-ischemic (or perfuse) form.

2. Ischemic CRVO

In case blood flow in the retinal capillaries is more widely obstructed. It's more severe form of CRVO in which vision is likely to be poor and develop complications, as neovascularization.

Ayurvedic view for CRAO and CRVO

Three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha are observed and certain condition that leads to imbalance in the three doshas worsen the condition causing the disease.

In Ayurveda eye diseases have been mentioned in details in Ancient Text Sushrut Samhita. Diseases of retina are mentioned in drishti patal roga.

SYMPTOMS

1. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) Fundoscopy shows cherry red spot.

• Sudden blindness in one of your eyes
• Sudden, complete blurring of vision in one eye
• Gradual loss of vision in one eye over a few weeks

Symptoms might be for few seconds or minutes or may be permanent.

2. Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

• Most common symptom of CRVO is loss of vision or blurring in a part or all of one eye.
• The blurring or vision loss is painless and may results suddenly or become worse over several hours or days.
• There may be sudden and complete loss of vision.
• Floaters in vision are another symptom of CRVO. When retinal blood vessels are not working properly, the growth of new retina occurs, fragile vessels can bleed into the vitreous, fluid filling the center of the eye. Blood in the vitreous clumps and is seen as tiny dark spots, or floaters, in the field of vision.
• In severe cases of CRVO, the blocked vein may cause painful pressure in the eye.
• Ischemic CRVO can also results in neovascular glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is caused when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow inside the eye, causing the pressure in the eye to rise.
• Neovascular glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause pain and lead to severe vision loss. It can take three months or more after CRVO occurs for neovascular glaucoma to appear.

CAUSES

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)

• The blockage usually occurs due to a clot or fatty deposit in the blood vessel.
• Embolism and Thrombosis
• Temporal Arteritis
• Vasculitis
• Trauma
• Glaucoma
• Low retinal blood flow (carotid stenosis or hypotension)

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)

The blockage in CRVO causes the walls of the vein to leak blood and excess fluid into the retina. When this fluid collects in the macula (the area of the retina responsible for central vision),and causes swelling called Macula Derma. It decreases the activity of Retina which results in blurred vision.

Certain conditions in which CRVO has been associated are:

• Glaucoma
• Obstructive sleep apnea - This affects more patients with retinal vein obstruction than other disorders.
• Hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus,
• Blood Clotting disorders.
• Autoimmune disease such as Systemic Lupus Erythematous.

Lifestyle & General Guidelines

• Stop smoking. Smoking produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
• Limit the use of medications.
• Regular Exercise - at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise every day, as walking and swimming.
• Take care of your emotional health-It is important to maintain physical health. Involve practice of yoga, walk outdoors or prayer on a daily basis.

Ayurvedic Treatment Available in Planet Ayurveda

1. Bilberry Capsules

Ingredients:

Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus): This herb has excellent effect on eyes. It is capable of relieving thrombosis. It consists of anthcyanosides which helps in strengthening the blood vessels and improve the blood circulation in all parts of the body. Its anti-oxidative properties are helpful in removing free radicals. Bilberry acts as a vasodilator that opens blood vessels and helps to lower down the blood pressure making it to be used in treatment of CRVO.

Dose: 4 Capsules daily (2 in Morning and 2 in Evening)

2. Angel eye vitale

• Maintains the health and provides complete care of eyes.
• Gives protection and strength to eyes.
• Vitamins and other compounds are very beneficial for proper function of vision organs.
• Bilberry has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

• Vitamin C: Very essential for healthy eyes and underlying conditions for eye defects because of its anti-oxidant properties. It supports delicate capillaries in retina.
• Beta Carotene - Vitamin A (Carrot seed Extract): Anti-oxidant properties are present in it which maintains the health of the eyes.
• Vitamin E (D Alpha tocopherol): It is an anti-oxidant beneficial in maintaining the eyesight.
• Zinc (As Zinc Sulphate): Zinc is best used for eyes. Retina is mineral rich part of eyes and zinc is an element that create melanin which is essential for protection of eyes. It has ability to reduce the risk of various eye disorders.
• Lutein (Marigold Extract) and Zeaxanthin (Corn Extract): Helpful in improving the visual acuity.
• Astaxanthin: This is very powerful carotenoid anti-oxidant which is helpful in protecting blood capillaries of eyes from free radicals.
• Bilberry Extract: Bilberry is anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and natural herb for the protection of eyes.

Dose: 2 Capsules twice daily (Morning and Evening)

3. Gotukola Capsules

It supports healthy blood circulation. Balances all the three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in body

Ingredients:

Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica): Venous insufficiency: It strengthens the weakened veins. It acts on the connective tissues of the vascular wall and effectively relieves venous insufficiency.

Dose - 1 to 2 capsules twice daily after half an hour of meal with plain water

4. Arjuna Capsules

Ingredient:

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna std. ext.): It consists of many substance which are having great anti-oxidant properties. Bark part of Arjuna is helpful in reducing blood clot formation. Thus preventing occlusion of blood vessels.