Management of non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion with cystoid maular edema through Ayurveda interventions: A case report

Introduction: Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is clinically classified into ischemic and non-ischemic varieties. Non-ischemic CRVO presents with the blurring of vision and posterior segment findings such as hemorrhages, tortuous blood vessels, cotton-wool spots, and macular edema. Sometimes, cystoid macular edema may be present. Patient Information: A 30-year-old man was diagnosed with non-ischemic CRVO and cystoid macular edema in his right eye. The patient had taken multiple rounds of intraocular injection. The visual acuity of the patient was LogMAR 0.602 in his right eye and LogMAR 0 in his left eye. Posterior segment examination of the patient showed cotton-wool spots, tortuous blood vessels, and some hemorrhages. Optical coherence tomography showed multiple cyst-like lesions at the macula. The patient was treated with four courses of inpatient therapy comprising Ayurveda oral medicines (Kvatha, Churna, and Gutika), Kriyakalpa (local ophthalmic therapies such as Seka, Ashchyotana, Pindi, and Bidalaka), and treatments for the head such as Siroveshtana and Lepa. After treatment the visual acuity readings of the patient was improved, and most of the posterior segment findings were found resolved. Conclusion: The patient experienced positive changes from the treatment. Ayurvedamanagement can be a therapeutic option for non-ischemic CRVO and cystoid macular edema.