Complications of Madhumeha: Ayurvedic Perspective on Diabetic Retinopathy

Complications of Madhumeha: Ayurvedic Perspective on Diabetic Retinopathy

(➡️ Includes Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Edema, etc.)


1. Modern Explanation:

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye conditions that affect people with diabetes, especially:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the retina’s blood vessels

  • Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Fluid accumulation in the macula

  • Can lead to blindness if untreated.


2. Signs and Symptoms:

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision

  • Dark spots or floaters

  • Impaired color vision

  • Vision loss in advanced stages


3. Ayurvedic Correlation:

🟢 Considered under:

  • Madhumeha janya Timira (Diabetes-induced vision loss)

  • Sarvagata Netraroga – Due to involvement of multiple eye structures

  • Can also progress to Drishtinasha (Linganāśa)

In Madhumeha, all Dhātus get involved, especially Majjā and Rakta, affecting vision.


4. Doṣa–Duṣya–Samprāpti:

  • Doṣa: Tridoṣaja, but Pitta-Rakta predominance with Vāta

  • Duṣya: Rasa, Rakta, Medas, Majjā

  • Samprāpti: Chronic hyperglycemia → microvascular damage → Rakta Dushti → Drishti Vaigunya


5. Śloka Reference:

Charaka Chikitsa 6/58:
"मधुराण्यतिपानानि स्निग्धानि गुरुणि च।
यानि च प्रमदायुक्तानि मेहिनां च विशेषतः॥”

🔹 Overindulgence in sweet, unctuous and heavy food leads to Madhumeha, which affects eye structures as complications.

Suśruta Uttara Tantra 7/20:
"तृतीयपटलगते दोषेऽन्धता जायते ध्रुवम्।"

🔹 When doshas reach the 3rd patala (retina), blindness becomes inevitable if left unmanaged.


6. Ayurvedic Management:

🔹 Netra Kriyākalpa (Local):

  • Netraseka: With Chandana-Bala-Raktha Kashaya

  • Putapāka: To nourish retina – Chakshushya Dravyas

  • Anjana: Rasāyanīya Anjana like Chandrodaya Varti

🔹 Internal Medicines:

  • Vasantakusumākara Rasa – 125 mg with Madhu

  • Saptamrita Lauha – 250 mg BID

  • Chandraprabha Vati – 500 mg TID

  • Triphaladi Ghrita or Nayaneeyam Ghritam – 5–10 ml HS

🔹 Panchakarma:

  • Virechana: Pitta-Rakta shodhana (mild)

  • Basti: Tikta Ksheera Basti for retina health

  • Nasya: Anu Taila / Jīvantyādi Taila

🔹 Rasayana Therapy:

  • Shilajatu Rasayana

  • Triphala Rasayana

  • Guduchi + Amla + Haridra

🔹 Pathya:

  • Low-glycemic diet

  • Cow ghee, bitter vegetables, barley, green moong

  • Avoid: Sugar, milk sweets, oily food, day sleep


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