Ayurveda management of Central serous retinopathy associated with Diabetic retinopathy: A clinical observation

Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR) is an accumulation of serous fluid beneath the neurosensory retina, primarily affecting the macula, associated with choroidal thickening and hyperpermeability. Although the condition may resolve spontaneously, persistent fluid can lead to permanent loss of vision. There are many treatment modalities for managing this condition; however, the chances of recurrence remain a challenge to provide a definite cure for the disease. Here, the case report provides detailed and successful management of complex ocular condition in a patient diagnosed with chronic CSR, diabetic retinopathy, and hypertension, previously unresponsive to conventional therapy. Baseline Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) showed dry age-related macular degeneration changes in the right eye (OD) and severe CSR with substantial Subretinal Fluid (SRF)/Intraretinal Fluid (IRF) in the left eye (OS). The case was diagnosed as Sannipataja netra roga (~ocular disease due to vitiation of all the three Dosha ) and the patient was provided a 21-day inpatient treatment including internal medicines along with Seka (~ocular therapy by streaming), Tarpana (~therapeutic retention of medicated liquids over the eyes), and Shirodhara (~therapeutic oil-streaming over the head). Posttreatment, visual acuity improved significantly in OS (to 6/36p corrected) while stabilizing in OD (6/18 corrected). Follow-up OCT confirmed marked resolution of SRF/IRF in OS. This case indicates the potential of a comprehensive, individualized Ayurveda protocol, incorporating palliative medicines and specialized ocular as well as systemic therapies, to manage complex retinopathies by addressing underlying Tridosha (~three regulatory functional factors of the body) imbalances and promoting ocular tissue health.