Abstract
Stargardt disease is characterized by the building up of fatty material on the retina's small part that is required for central, sharp vision, i.e. macula. It is a rare genetic disease of the eye which results in vision loss that usually begins in childhood. However in some cases vision loss is not evident until adulthood. Generally this condition is considered to be an incurable disease and conventionally only rehabilitation is advised to prevent the loss of remaining vision. In this article you can get all the details about Stargardt disease and its Ayurvedic management.
Introduction
Stargardt disease is a rare genetic and progressive eye disease which results in vision loss. Macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for central, sharp vision and in this condition macula is affected. In case of Stargardt disease, lipofuscin occurs, i.e. accumulation of fatty yellow pigment. This lipofuscin occurs in the cells of the macula which causes vision loss. People suffering from this condition can also have problems with night vision and color vision. The signs and symptoms of the condition usually start in childhood and worsen going to adulthood. Stargardt disease is a genetic condition where abnormal mutations in certain genes lead to the condition.
Ayurvedic Aspect of Stargardt Disease
As per Ayurveda, the Stargardt disease is a genetic disease hence caused due to beej dushti. This can occur due to bad lifestyle and diet resulting in abnormal mutations in the genes and causing genetic defects.
Signs & Symptoms of the Stargardt Disease
The most common signs and symptoms of Stargardt disease are:
- Progressive loss of vision in both the eyes
- Hazy, black or gray spots in the center vision
- Light sensitivity
- Increase in time to adjust between the dark and light for your eyes
- Decrease visibility in night
- Color blindness
Causes of Stargardt Disease
Stargardt disease is generally caused due to the changes in certain gene, i.e. ABCA4. This is the gene responsible for using vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is used by our body to make the layer of tissues that is light sensitive at the back of the eye (in retina). Then the gene mentioned, i.e. ABCA4 works to make a protein that cleanses up the leftover fatty material. But in case of the Stargardt disease this gene does not work at all leading to deposition of the fatty material on the macula that destroys the central vision by killing light sensitive cells and causing loss of vision. This disease is an inherited genetic condition which means it is passed to children from parents.
Diagnosis of Stargardt Disease
When you contact an eye doctor, he/she will go for the detailed case history and thorough physical examination. The examination done is called dilated eye exam which is completely painless and done by pouring some eye drops that will widen the pupil of the patient and then your doctor will check for the signs of the disease, the main feature that will be evident is yellowish deposits on the macula. Other tests done to diagnose Stargardt disease are Color vision testing, Electroretinography, Fundus photography, Optical coherence tomography and Genetic testing.
Treatment of Stargardt Disease
This disease is considered to be incurable and in conventional systems of medicine the treatment is given to slow down the vision loss or prevent the remaining vision from loss. This is done by rehabilitation programs and low vision aids.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurvedic treatment of Stargardt disease aims at slowing down the progression of the disease and relieving its signs and symptoms. Ayurvedic treatment can include two ways, therapies like nasya, virechan, netradhara, snehapana and tarpana and another is rejuvenation rasayanic medicines which helps in eliminating the yellowish deposition on the macula and provides strength to the optic nerves and retina.
Herbal Remedies of Planet Ayurveda for Stargardt disease
Planet Ayurveda is a famous herbal pharmaceutical company that deals in the production of herbal products and remedies which are further used for treating various ailments in India as well as in various parts of the world. Authenticity of these products and remedies are known due to the fact that these things are prepared from pure herbs and natural compounds under the supervision of expert Ayurvedic doctors. For Stargardt disease the Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies.
Products List
- Brahmi Ghrit
- Angel Eye Vitale
- Saptamrit Loha
- Kamdudha Ras (Moti Yukt)
- Amalaki Rasayan
Products Description
1. Brahmi Ghrit
Brahmi Ghrit is an Ayurvedic formulation that is prepared in the form of ghee using the Brahmi ( Bacopa monnieri) herb. This herbal formulation helps in improving vision by enhancing brain function. Brahmi Ghrit also helps in boosting the memory and concentration along with correcting the disorders of the eyes.
Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon of the formulation twice daily with water.
2. Angel Eye Vitale
Herbs like bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus), marigold ( Tagetes), Carrot seed ( Daucus carota), Corn ( Zea mays), pure extract of zinc, vitamin c, etc are used in the preparation of Angel eye vitale capsules. These herbal capsules help in treating the vision ailments, correcting the vision, and prevent diseases of the eyes.
Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
3. Saptamrit Loha
It is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that is prepared using Loha bhasma (Iron calx), Mulethi ( Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki ( Terminalia bellerica), and Amalaki ( Emblica officinalis). Saptamrit loha helps in treating eye ailments as it contains iron and other herbs that are great for eyes.
Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily with honey or ghee after meals.
4. Kamdudha Ras (Moti Yukt)
Kamdudha ras is a classical Ayurvedic preparation that helps in treating various ailments like weakness, chronic progressive diseases etc. This Ayurvedic formulation is prepared using Swarna (gold), Praval pishti (Coral calcium), gairika (Red ochre), Shukti bhasma (Pearl oyster), giloy ( Tinospora cordifolia), Shankh bhasma (Sea shell), etc.
Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily after meals with plain water.
5. Amalaki Rasayan
Amalaki rasayan is a single herb capsule that is formulated using standardized extract of Amla ( Emblica officinalis). Amla is very well known for its high content of vitamin C that is very good for eyes. These capsules enhance vision and help in treatment of vision ailments like slowing down the progression of Stargardt disease and vision loss.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
Conclusion
It can be really difficult to live with Stargardt disease as it causes progressive vision loss. However, taking the herbal medicines mentioned above can help a lot in managing and treating the condition without causing any further harm to the body. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com
