Integrating Ayurveda strategies in the management of primary open-angle glaucoma in the elderly: Insights and recommendations

BACKGROUND: The global rise in the aging population, particularly in India, has increased the burden of age-related disorders such as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. POAG is associated with optic nerve degeneration, cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Ayurveda offers holistic therapeutic approaches with potential senolytic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties that may complement conventional glaucoma management, particularly in geriatric care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar with keywords related to POAG, Ayurveda, aging, geriatric care, and traditional medicine. Relevant articles were screened based on titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review for data extraction. Classical Ayurvedic texts, including the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita , were reviewed to understand traditional concepts of aging and ocular health. In addition, policy documents from the Ministry of AYUSH were examined to assess the role of Ayurveda in geriatric healthcare. RESULTS: The reviewed evidence suggests that Ayurvedic interventions possessing senolytic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties may reduce cellular aging, support RGC survival, and delay neurodegeneration. Randomized controlled trials indicate that integrating Ayurvedic therapies with conventional glaucoma treatment may improve visual outcomes and slow disease progression beyond intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction alone. The findings support the potential of Ayurveda as an adjunctive approach for comprehensive POAG management in older adults. CONCLUSION: Integrating evidence-based Ayurvedic interventions with conventional glaucoma therapy may provide a holistic strategy for managing POAG by addressing both IOP control and neuroprotection. Such an integrative approach has the potential to enhance geriatric ophthalmic care and may offer a comprehensive, accessible, and cost-effective model for incorporation into public health systems.