Ayurvedic management central serous retinopathy - A case report

BACKGROUND: Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR) is an eye disease that causes visual impairment ascribable to fluid accumulation in the retina's macular area. CSR leads to the blurring of vision associated with metamorphopsia. The cause of the disease is unknown. The practitioners of contemporary science offer treatment only after observing for 3–4 months to resolve the fluid. The blurring of vision may persist even after oedema has resolved. If oedema does not resolve, they undertake laser photodynamic therapy or photocoagulation, which results in permanent damage to neuroretina and impaired visual acuity. According to Ayurveda, symptoms of blurred vision and metamorphopsia indicate Vata Dusti in eyes. CASE & INTERVENTION: A 53-year-old man, who sought Ayurvedic treatment for the blurring of vision in the last ten days, was diagnosed with CSR in the right eye. He underwent one course of Ayurvedic management, comprised of oral medication, including Punarnvadi kashaya, Candraprabha Vati, and Tiktaka ghrita, external treatments like Shiropichu (application of medicated oil on the bregma) and Kriyakalpa (eye treatment) like Anjana karma. OUTCOMES: At the end of a month of the Ayurvedic treatment, visual acuity in the right eye improved to 6/6, and Optic Coherence Tomography affirmed complete resolution of CSR (OCT). A one year follow up confirmed the non-recurrence of the disease. CONCLUSION: Ayurvedic treatment effectively resolves oedema within a short time with a marked visual outcome. Patients of CSR would benefit from the same if treated promptly in the early stage itself. Such patients shall be encouraged to opt for Ayurveda as a primary treatment modality.