Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy – Prevention With Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Eye is the important organ of our body which helps us to see. Eye has three layers including the Fibrous coat which is the anterior or epithelial layer of our eye, Vascular layer which provides nutrition to the various structure of eyeball and consists of three part that is Iris, ciliary body and choroid, and last is the Nervous coat that is retina which is responsible for visual functioning. One of the most important parts of the eyes is Cornea which is transparent and helps the eyes to protect from any infection. Cornea further has five layers that is Epithelium, Bowman’s membrane, Substantia propria or corneal stroma, Descemet’s membrane and Endothelium. Cornea is a vascular structure however, it gets its nourishment from the superficial plexus formed by the episcleral branches of anterior ciliary arteries. The nerve that supplies the cornea is the 5th cranial nerve. Any kind of injury to Cornea may lead to degeneration or dystrophy of the cornea. So, let us have a deep understanding of the concept and find the effective herbal treatment for Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy.

What is the Role of Epithelium in Human Eye?

As epithelium is expanded throughout our body, they cover a major surface. The cells are closely packed and have free surface which is in contact with the basement membrane. Epithelium has further different types like simple, columnar, glandular, etc. but the one that covers the cornea is Stratified Squamous epithelium. It acts as a barrier to the cornea and supports the free flow of fluid from the eyes preventing them against any bacteria and healing wounds.

Epithelial corneal dystrophy

It is detected that it takes almost 8 to 9 weeks to develop the corneal epithelium during the gestation period. The corneal epithelium is situated between the epithelial cell and stroma and helps in homoeostasis and wound healing. It is also known as Cogan’s micro cystic dystrophy, where the degeneration or erosion of the epithelium layer of the eye occurs. It is identified as the thickening of the basement membrane of the cornea and presented as dot like or finger like prints on the eye. Patients may not show any symptoms or may suffer from severe pain due to the erosion in both hereditary and autoimmune cases.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Some people with corneal dystrophy may not show any kind of symptoms but some with symptoms suffer from

Dry Eyes:- It is one of the most common symptoms seen in any kind of corneal dystrophy as there is no proper lubrication to the eyes. The eyes are not able to produce tears.

Watery Eyes:- One may also suffer from constant watering of eyes or production of too much fluid due to the erosion.

Discomfort:- Due to the appearance of map or finger like prints, one may feel discomfort. They may have the constant feeling of foreign body in their eyes.

Pain:- While some patients don’t suffer from any kind of pain, others may have severe ache and itching in the eyes due to the erosion of the epithelium.

Photophobia:- The patient may become sensitive to light as cornea acts as a refractive mechanism in our eyes. Every little light is painful to them.

Blepharitis:- Inflammation of eyelids may also appear in some cases.

Investigations:- Diagnosis can be done by Corneal imagining or testing which includes the corneal topography and focal microscopy which in turn, helps in detecting the epithelial layer of cornea and detecting the cause for corneal dystrophy.

AYURVEDIC VIEW

There are many types of corneal dystrophies and the treatment of these vary with the progression of the disease. Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy is one of them, when left untreated it can make the patient blind. Ayurvedic point of view is different as ayurvedic herbs treat the disease based on the underlying dosha and restores the natural health. In this situation, these herbs will strengthen the epithelial tissue of the cornea and combats the problem by pacifying all the aggravated doshas. Below are some very effective herbal remedies, which can have the effective results in Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR EPITHELIAL BASEMENT DYSTROPHY

The herbal remedies provide good and positive results in the body. As the effects are long lasting, so it takes the required time for eliminating the root cause of the disease and avoiding its recurrence. The herbal medicines provided by Planet Ayurveda are 100% vegetarian and free from any chemicals or preservatives.

These are

• Bilberry Capsules
• Angel Eye Vitale Under Eye Nourishing Cream
• Pitta Balance
• Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
• Saptamrit Loh
• Brahmi Chyawanprash
• Curcumin Capsules
• Jeevantyadi Ghrit

1. Bilberry Capsules

It contains the organic extracts of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) which is the best proven herb for eyes as it is full of anti-oxidant properties. It enhances and strengthens the eyes and improves the vision.

Dosage:-1-2 capsules once or twice a day, after the meals.

2. Angel Eye Vitale Under Eye Nourishing Cream

As we take care of our face and whole body, it is also very important to take care of our eyes. This under eye cream nourishes the area surrounding eyes and improves blood circulation. It is infused with Vitamins and Antioxidants which maintains eye health and beauty.

Direction:- Gently massage it around the eyes after thorough cleansing of eyes with plain water. Use it twice daily for better results.

3. Pitta Balance

It contains compounds like Praval Pishti (Coral), Akik Pishti (Agate), Mukta Pishti (Pearl) and many more. The combination of these herbs help in Aggression, anxiety, burning sensation in hands and feet, Blood pressure and in eye weakness. Basically, it helps in balancing the Pitta Dosha, due to which it shows amazing results in corneal dystrophy.

Dosage:- 1 capsule once or twice daily with water, after meal.

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

The ingredients of this classical herbal formulation are Swarna bhasma, Loha bhasma, Mukta bhasma, etc. which together acts as nerve tonics and aids in corneal dystrophy. It maintains healthy functioning of the nervous system, and brain. It is also very helpful in boosting immunity.

Dosage:- Once or twice daily to be chewed with milk, after meals.

5. Saptamrit loh

It is very useful in almost all the symptoms related to eye problems such as itching, burning, etc. It has proven to be useful in improving eye vision, and have wonderful results especially for the people who are in constant work with computers. Thus, supports in timely treatment of the disease.

Dosage:-1-2 capsules with water daily after meals.

6. Brahmi Chayawanprash

It is 100% pure and organic herbal Jam which contains the extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) along with 28 other herbs. They synergistically act to improve brain neurons and enhance the corneal functions. It also helps in increasing concentration and  stamina.

Dosage:-Once or twice daily with plain water, after the meals.

7. Curcumin Capsules

Planet Ayurveda Curcumin Capsules are made up of the standardized extract of Haridra (Curcuma longa) which is rich in anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these properties, it helps in combating inflammation of eyelid and other eye problems too.

Dosage:-1-2capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

8. Jeevantyadi Ghrit

As per the name, it is a classical formulation in the form of Ghrit, prepared using the mixed extracts

• Daruharida (Berberis aristata)
• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
• Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)and many more.

It is helpful in improving vitality and also aids in early stages of cataract. As a whole, it maintains healthy eyes and prevents complications.

Dosage:-1/2 teaspoon in milk before bedtime daily.

Other Tips to maintain Healthy Eyes

• Eat green leafy vegetables and food rich in vitamin A, C and E.
• Avoid Red meat and foods with high sugar.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Wear sunglasses while going out in bright sunlight.
• Maintain Distance while reading books or using screens.
• Massage the area around eyes every morning in the circular motion to increase blood circulation.

This herbal formulation is prepared using Centella asiatica’s standardized extract. These capsules maintain the normal functioning of the brain and heart. Gotu Kola pacifies all the tridosha in the body and promotes the functions of voluntary neurons and aids in relieving systems like restricted muscle movements, weakness, difficulty in holding grip, etc.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day after meals with plain water.