Download Full Text Article - European Journal of Biomedical and

ejbps, 2015, Volume 2, Issue 4, 1001-1005.
Review Article
SJIF Impact Factor 2.062
ISSN 2349-8870
European
Journal
of Biomedical
European
Journal of Biomedical
and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Volume: 2
AND
Issue: 4
1001-1005
Pharmaceutical sciences
Year: 2015
Tiwari et al.
http://www.ejbps.com
TRADITIONAL APPROACHES TOWARDS THE REFRACTIVE
ERROR; A REVIEW
Shweta Tiwari*1, Kirti Patel2, Upendra Bhadoriya3
1
2
3
Amruta Herbals Pvt. Ltd., Indore (M.P.), India.
Dept. Samhita, RDMC College, Bhopal, (M.P.), India.
Lachoo Memorial College of Science & Technology, Jodhpur, India.
Article Received on 20/06/2015
Article Revised on 11/07/2015
Article Accepted on 03/08/2015
*Correspondence for
ABSTRACT
Author
Refractive error is one of the common problems of modern man. This
Shweta Tiwari
all may be due to the changes in lifestyle and extensive use of
Amruta Herbals Pvt. Ltd.,
Indore (M.P.), India.
computers. Refractive error involves problem of refraction. Normally
parallel rays of light focuses over the retina through which the normal
perception of image is attained. In refractive errors the correct focusing of light rays doesn’t
happen over the retina results in blurring of vision and various other symptoms due to the
over straining of eyes like headache, excessive lacrimation and deep seated orbital pain.
Refractive errors can be classified as myopia (short sightedness), hypermetropia (long
sightedness) and astigmatism. In myopia focusing will be in front of the retina due to which
the person experiences difficulty in seeing distant objects, where as in hypermetropia, near
vision will be impaired due to the delayed focusing of light rays. Astigmatism is the distorted
image formation due to the scattered focusing of light rays. The Ayurveda possesses various
treatment approaches for the curing of refractive errors including utilization of herbal
formulation, yoga and change in life style. This article summarizes some options as per
ayurveda for the treatment of refractive errors.
KEYWORDS: Refractive errors, Ayurveda, Astigmatism, Myopia.
INTRODUCTION
Refractive errors comprise a group of diseases like; myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism and
presbyopia. Myopia is seen generally in childhood diagnosed in children in age group of 8-19
yrs. Symptoms include blurred distance vision, eye strain, sometimes headaches, watering of
www.ejbps.com
1001
Tiwari et al.
European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
eyes. Astigmatism is the condition which is caused by uneven shape of cornea resulting in
blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Some area of cornea becomes more round.
Hypermetropia is the condition in which near vision affected. This involves defective
refraction that forms image behind the retina symptoms involves eye strain, headache,
watering of eyes.
Due to the today’s life style eyes have to bear a lot of stress resulting disease like refractive
errors. Ayurveda has many treatment options relief today’s stressed life style, strengthening
eye muscles. Study shows that eye exercises and ayurvedic procedures are very effective in
correcting refractive errors in children. Ayurveda suggest early diagnosis, healthy life style
and reduced eye stress can relief from diseases. The major treatment procedures as per
ayurveda are; Nethradhara, Anjana, Aschotanam, Nasya, Tharpanam and Ayurvedic
Medicines. This article summarizes some options as per ayurveda for the treatment of
refractive errors.
Go Ghrita in the Management of Astigmatism
Astigmatism and uncorrected refractive error is the leading causes of blindness and vision
impairment in the world. Go Ghrita is an important Ayurvedic drug utilize for the treatment
of many diseases. Recent study suggests that Go Ghrita effectively utilized for the treatment
of vision impairment problem like Astigmatism. The effectiveness of drug towards the
Astigmatism attributes due to the presence of various important phytoconstituents like;
Tannins, Saponins, alkaloids, Glycosides, Carbohydrates and Flavonoids in the Ghrita.
Refractive Error Treatment through Swathavritta and Yoga
Ayurveda maintain the health of individual. To full fill this purpose Ayurveda has specialized
and most demanding branch named Swasthavritta, means science for maintenance of health
in all aspects. Swasthavritta advocates procedures and measures under the heading of
Dinacharya, Ratricharya, Adharaniya, Dharaniya Vegas, Ritucharya etc., by following these
one can maintain the health and eye care. Swasthavritta possesses various concepts to eye
care through Chakshushya Vidhis, medicine and diet for the protection, restoration and
regeneration of the eyesight. Chakshushya regimen mentioned in the classics along with Yoga
is useful in prevention of ophthalmic problems. The preventive measures include Pathya,
Dinacharya, and Ritucharya. Regular use of Chakshuhya regimen, Kriya kalpa and eye
exercise help in improvement and restoration of vision. Many studies suggest that yoga can
be beneficial in many ways for improving eye sight.
www.ejbps.com
1002
Tiwari et al.
European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Rasayana Churna in Refractive Errors
A study was conducted to assess the chakshushya effect of Rasayana churna in the treatment
of refractive errors. Study Suggest that Rasayana Churna can be considered as curative and
preventive measure in refractive errors like myopia. Combination of Guduchi (Tinospora
cordifolia), Amalaki ((Emblica officinalis) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is known as
Rasayana Churna. Study shows that after taking Rasayana Churna symptoms related to
myopia like Double vision, Haziness reduces from severe to moderate. Refractive test also
showed changes in the distance correction of both eyes. Study observed that near correction
of eye was improved after the treatment. Study concluded the positive result of Rasayana
Churna on myopia.
Effects of Jaloukavacharan in ophthalmic disorders
Ophthalmic disorders are very common in today’s life. As per Ayurveda Raktamokshana is
one of the important procedures of Shodhana Karma which is very useful in the treatment of
eye diseases. Jaloukavacharan (Leech Application) is the best & effective method of
Raktamokshsana because Leech is easily available & procedure is very simple.
Anjananamika & Abhishyanda are very commonly seen Ophthalmic Disorders.
Jaloukavacharan (Raktamokshana) is indicated in these diseases as it is mainly cause due to
rakta-pitta vitiation. Acharya Sushrutha & Vagbhata has mentioned that Jalouka (Leech)
sucks impure blood from affected site after application & reduces symptoms like burning
sensation, pain, swelling, redness etc.
Role of Ajaghrita (Goat ghee)
To prevent the diminishing phenomenon of tissues Ayurved has adviced to consume oleation.
Cow Ghee and Goat Ghee are best Regenerative drugs for eye care. These can be beneficial
for the treatment of Nistoda, Sangharsha, Āadhmān., Sthabdhatā, Netra Klama , Kampana,
Avil Netra. These problems need supplements like; Vit A, multivitamin treatment; Zink and
other nutritive supplements. These problems can be solved in the better way with adopting
proper food and medicines regularly like; Ajaghrita. Goat Ghee possesses “Cakshusya” and it
has excellent vitality. Studies revealed that Ajaghrita relief ocular pain; dryness and fatigue.
AIschyotana (local application) is a kind of local treatment for eye which is implemented as
eye drops. Goat ghee was administered as eye drops in the selected patients of Vataj. Cow
Ghee is most often used for this purpose as it is easily available. The efficacy of goat ghee in
the eye disorders is well proved by clinical approach.
www.ejbps.com
1003
Tiwari et al.
European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ayurveda Exercise for Refractive Error
Ayurveda suggest some simple exercise for the treatment of refractive errors like;
Samshodhan, Tratak karma, Palming etc.
 Samshodhan: Virechan karma is used for shodhana purpose.
 Tratak karma: To concentrate on some point till watering of eyes.
 Palming: Palming involves closing both eyes by using both palms.
CONCLUSION
The diseases of the eye are much more important than any other physical disability since the
loss of vision completely disables the patient. Ayurveda provides various approaches to
overcome refractive errors like Go Ghrita, Swathavritta and Yoga, Rasayana Churna,
Jaloukavacharan, Ajaghrita and exercise play vital role for improving eye vision.
Psychological behavior and health education for positive changes in attitude and practices
also improve conditions. Care from such conditions is required to be exercised in carrying out
its proper diagnosis and treatment. It has been observed that the person who indulged in more
near work e.g. working on computer monitor. Relief in signs and symptoms was observed in
various studies done for ayurvedic therapy to prove clinical role of ayurveda for disease.
Sushruta, has recommended ayurveda for various ophthalmic disease. The various studies
suggest that ayurveda can be effectively used in different forms of refractive errors without
any major adverse effect.
REFERENCES
1. Pancham Sinh. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. 1
st
ed. Chapter-2/32. Munshiram Manoharlal
Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 2007; 18.
2. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Drushtigataroga Adhyaya, 7/6, Edited by
Jadavji Trikamji Acharya, 7
th
Revised ed. Chowkhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2002;
606.
3. J. Shah, K. S. Dhiman, V.J. Shukla, Physico-chemical evaluation of Go Ghrita in the
management of Astigmatism, International journal of recent advances in pharmaceutical
research, 2014; 4(1): 1-5.
4. M. P. Bhide, S. S. Nilakhe, Efficacy of Ajaghrita (Goat ghee) in Vataja Netra Vikruti
Lakshanas (Vataja Opthalmic Disorders) IOSR-JDMS., 2014; 13: 07-11.
5. S. Dhote, A. Bhoite, Effects of Jaloukavacharan in Style & Conjunctivitis, World Journal
of Pharmaceutical Research, 2014; 3: 1379-1389.
www.ejbps.com
1004
Tiwari et al.
European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
6. Priyanka Sharma, P. K. Sharma, M. V. Rao, Eye care through Swathavritta and Yoga,
Punarnav, 2014; 2(2): 01-13.
7. G. M. Dunghav. Chakshushya effect of Rasayana Churna on refractive errors. A case
study, IAMJ, 2014; 2: 419-426.
www.ejbps.com
1005