Glaucoma is a collective term used to describe eye diseases caused by an excess of glucose in the blood. Most of these diseases lead to loss of vision and eventually blindness as they damage the nerve connecting the brain with the retina. Doctors have divided Glaucoma into various types depending on its effect and impact area. Glaucoma Treatment in Ayurveda offers a completely natural and side-effect approach to this disease.
Primary Glaucomas
Primary glaucoma is the result of unknown medical reasons. It is of the following types:
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma is one of the most regular types of glaucoma across the globe. In the United States alone, every 9 out of 10 glaucoma patients suffer from open-angle glaucoma. Most people don’t realize the symptoms before the disease shows its effect and causes loss of vision. However, most people fail to note the loss of vision initially. Experts are yet to pinpoint the exact cause of this problem but the most apparent reason for this problem is a build-up of excess pressure in the rear part of the eyes. As time goes by, the pressure damages the optic nerve and starts degrading the vision. If left untreated or overlooked, it can eventually lead to blindness. People suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure bear a higher risk of getting this kind of glaucoma.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Normal-tension glaucoma is another version of open-angle glaucoma that occurs in people with usual eye pressure. You may have a higher risk of getting normal-tension glaucoma if you suffer from low blood pressure, heart problems, have a family history of the disease, and have Japanese ancestry. The exact reason for this problem is yet to be found, however, research shows that reduction in eye pressure can decrease the pace of this disease and prevent any loss of vision.
- Angle Closure Glaucoma: Also known as narrow-angle glaucoma or acute glaucoma, it is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. The patient should be rushed to the emergency room if they experience red eyes, blurry vision, an upset stomach, and intense eye pain. Under this condition, the outer layer of the iris creates a blockage and prevents eye fluids from draining out of the eye. It increases the pressure inside the eye and needs to be treated without any delay. If left untreated, it can cause blindness within a few days of blockage. Doctors use laser treatment to drain out the fluid and bring the eye pressure to its normal state. Chronic angle-closure or slow glaucoma is from the same category but doesn’t show symptoms. It can be treated with surgery, laser treatments, and medication if diagnosed on time.
- Congenital Glaucoma: It is an inborn condition that leads to Glaucoma signs in infants. Babies are born with glaucoma in one or both eyes. It is a rare condition that affects one in ten thousand babies. However, it is not difficult to recognize the signs of glaucoma in a child. Kids suffering from glaucoma have a higher sensitivity to light, cloudy eyes, teary eyes, and their eyes are huge than normal. The good part is that this condition can easily be treated with surgeries without permanent loss of vision.
Secondary Glaucoma
Glaucoma caused by other medical conditions is known as secondary glaucoma. It has the following types:
- Neovascular Glaucoma: Neovascular glaucoma is when extra blood vessels are formed in the eye and they start covering the segment responsible for draining excess fluid out of the eyes. The condition usually results from other complications like diabetes and constantly high blood pressure. People suffering from neovascular glaucoma suffer from vision loss and constant redness in the eye. It is not easy to treat this kind of glaucoma as the effect of treatment depends on subduing its underlying causes that are far more difficult to cure.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma: Pigmentary glaucoma occurs when pigment present in the iris (the coloured part of our eyes) starts flaking off and blocks the drainage channels of the eye. White people suffering from near-sightedness are more likely to suffer from this problem. Doctors are yet to find a way to prevent flaking off of pigment in the iris.
- Exfoliation Glaucoma: Exfoliation glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma is a kind of open-angle glaucoma that occurs in people suffering from exfoliation syndrome. The condition leads to excess deposition on drainage channels in the eyes leading to blockage and an increase in internal pressure in the eyes. Recent research suggests that it is a genetic problem, so you need to be careful about it if someone in your family already suffers from this disease. The best way to stay ahead is by going for regular checkups and keeping a check on your blood sugar levels.
- Uveitis Glaucoma: It occurs in people suffering from uveitis, a medical condition that leads to inflammation and swelling in the eyes. Every two out of ten uveitis patients develop uveitis glaucoma. Experts are yet to find the exact cause for uveitic glaucoma but it is possible that it is caused by inflammation and scars in the center of the eye. It blocks or damages the fluid drainage channels leading to an increase in pressure inside the eyes.
Apart from these, there are several other causes responsible for this disease which includes tumors and cataracts. Sometimes, even eye injuries or accidents lead to glaucoma.
Glaucoma Treatment in Ayurveda?
Though surgeries and medication have their own role to play in case of emergent treatment of this disease, the Glaucoma Treatment in Ayurveda works when you need to treat the underlying cause of this problem. Ayurveda offers a completely natural and side-effect approach to this disease that reduces eye pressure without any chemicals and restores the normal functioning of the eyes. It can slow down the progress of this disease through Panchakarma therapies and herbal medication and also offers permanent relief from the most common underlying causes of this problem like high blood pressure and diabetes. Ayurvedic Glaucoma treatment is rooted in time tested methods and techniques that work on the overall health of the patient and provide lasting relief from concerning problems.