Ayurvedic Treatment of Cataract Without Surgery

A cataract in the eye is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of an eye. The retina works by converting the light that comes through the lens into signals. In this disease, a protein appears in the eye and forms clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina, hence it is unable to send the signals to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain. This disease appears slowly with time and then eventually interferes with your vision.

Cataracts are common in older people. If a person is over 60 and the vision has gotten blurry or cloudy, then this might be because of cataracts. The cure is possible with cataract treatment in Ayurveda.

There are different types of cataracts. They’re classified based on where and how they develop in the eye.

1. A nuclear cataract is one of the cataract types that form in the middle of the lens and causes the nucleus to become yellow or brown.
2. Cortical cataracts are wedge-shaped cataract types that form around the edges of the nucleus.
3. Posterior capsular cataracts form faster than the other two types and affect the back of the lens.
4. Congenital cataracts are the cataract types that are present at birth or form during a baby’s first year and are less common than age-related cataracts.
5. Secondary cataracts are caused by disease or medications. Diseases that are linked with the development of cataracts include glaucoma and diabetes. The use of the steroid prednisone and other medications can sometimes lead to cataracts.
6. Radiation cataracts can form after a person undergoes radiation treatment for cancer.

The eye doctor will give conduct various exams to test to determine whether you have a cataract:

1. Visual acuity test - A visual acuity test uses an eye chart to measure how well you can read a series of letters. Your eyes are tested one at a time, while the other eye is covered. Using a chart or a viewing device with progressively smaller letters, your eye doctor determines if you have 20/20 vision or if your vision shows signs of impairment.
2. Retinal exam - To prepare for a retinal exam, the eye doctor puts drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. This makes it easier to examine the retina of your eyes. Using a slit lamp or a special device called an ophthalmoscope; your eye doctor can examine your lens for signs of a cataract.

There are no exact cataract causes known, but researchers worldwide have identified a few factors that may cause cataracts:

1. Ultraviolet radiation
2. Diabetes
3. Hypertension
4. Obesity
5. Smoking
6. Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
7. Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol
8. Previous eye injury or inflammation
9. Previous eye surgery
10. Hormone replacement therapy
11. Significant alcohol consumption
12. Severe Myopia
13. Ageing

There are a few cataract symptoms known, such as –

1. A vision that’s cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy.
2. Nearsightedness (in older people).
3. Abrupt changes in viewing the colour.
4. Problem while driving at night for example- glare from oncoming headlights.
5. Problems with glare or reflection during the day.
6. Double vision in the affected eye.
7. The trouble with eyeglasses or contact lenses not working well.

If you see any of these symptoms and wish for cataract treatment without surgery, then you must seek help from Ayurveda.

In Ayurveda cataract is called timira or linga nasha. Aggravated Vata is considered to be responsible for the occurrence of this disease. When the lens of the eye loses its transparency, vision becomes blocked. One of the properties of Vata is to make things dry up. This condition is known as a cataract.

If diagnosed at an initial stage, Ayurveda can offer invaluable support in cataract management and natural treatment. During Ayurvedic eye treatment, the aim is to reduce the aggravated body energies and nourishing and strengthen the nerves and tissues of the eye. Various herbal ayurvedic medicines are used to cure  cataract:

1. Maha Triphala ghrita is usually prescribed as the cataract treatment in Ayurveda. Triphala provides nourishment and strengthens the nerves and other tissues of the eyeball whereas ghee is known to balance the aggravated Vata.
2. Triphala choorna should be taken and add to it a tumbler of water in the evening. Cover and keep aside for 12 hours. Use this filtrate for both items of washing the eyes and taking it internally.
3. Chandrodaya varti is the external preparation used as cataract treatment in Ayurveda. It can be applied to the eyes. As it has a mild irritating nature, it causes lacrimation in the eyes and promotes blood circulation.

Along with cataract treatment in Ayurveda, there are few home remedies to cure cataract eye disease such as:

1. Take 1 tsp Triphala powder with boiling water at sleep time.
2. Mix dhaniya 100 g, dark pepper 10 g, almond 100g, fennel 100g. Take 1 tsp with a drain at sleep time. Some sugar can be included if you are not diabetic.

There are various methods or tips for cataract prevention such as:

1. Good food sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach.
2. Other studies have shown antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cataract risk.
3. Another cataract prevention tip is to wear protective sunglasses that block 100 per cent of the sun's UV rays when you go outdoors.
4. Be consistent with your eye check-ups.
5. Avoid direct contact with toxic chemicals, X-Rays, IR rays.
6. Stop smoking
7. Maintain a healthy weight
8. Keep diabetes and other medical conditions in check
9. Ghee should be added to our daily routine as it is highly recommended in cataract.
10. Cow’s milk, butter, rice, wheat, moong dal, banana, methi, spinach, grapes, pomegranates, apples, and oranges are also recommended.
11. Cataract patients should avoid pungent, bitter, sour and saline food.
12. They should also avoid excessive heat and exposure to the sun.
13. Avoid excess worry, anxiety, and anger because it aggravates Vata and pitta doshas.