Improvement of visual acuity in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with Nimi Nirdishta Yoga- A case report

Ayurveda can serve in many disease conditions, whereas conventional systems face several limitations. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is among such conditions, where effective management is becoming a challenge. Diabetic Retinopathy leads to visual disability and is one of the major complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Currently available conventional treatments for DR have certain limitations; considering this fact, options from alternative resources are being searched. In Ayurveda, retinal diseases can be included in Drishtigata roga (~eye sight disorder) and DR can be correlated with Timir (~a class of morbid affections of the coats of the eye), as pathology of Timir is secondary to systemic Dosha Dushti (~vitiation of body humor) and DR can be considered as Pramehajanya Timir. A male patient of 61 years visited the Netra (ophthalmic) OPD complaining of defective distant and near vision for two months. Based upon the history of diabetes and clinical signs and symptoms, he was diagnosed with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) in both eyes.  The indirect ophthalmoscopy investigation was used to confirm the diagnosis. Nimi Nirdishta yoga which contains Triphala, Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.), and Ghrita was administered for one month daily at night with honey. At the end of one month, there was improvement noted in distant vision without glasses from 6/18 to 6/12 in the right eye and 6/9 to 6/6p in the left eye while near vision from N/8 to N/6 in both eyes with glasses. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed a reduction in exudates and hemorrhages. The observations reveal that Ayurvedic approaches are helpful in managing Diabetic Retinopathy.