Introduction
The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye through which we see. In normal condition, the cornea is a round surface which holds the curvature for proper focusing which is essential for vision. But in some case, the cornea becomes weak in structure and the pressure inside the eye makes the cornea bulge outward like a cone. This condition is called keratoconus.
Signs & symptoms
- A sudden change of vision in just one eye.
- Double vision when looking with just one eye.
- Distorted vision in the beginning, not blurred. After a long time, distant objects do become blurred.
- Halos around bright lights.
- Astigmatism
- Blurred Vision
- Difficulty Seeing in Dim Light
- Distorted Vision
- Double vision
- Glare
- Near-sightedness
- Ring of Discoloration on the Front of the Eye
- Sensitivity to light
Causes
The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown.
Some studies have found that keratoconus runs in families.
Pathophysiology
Keratoconus usually begins in childhood or teenage, before the age of 30. The changes in the shape of the cornea occur slowly, usually over several years.
Keratoconus changes to vision in two ways:
- As the shape of the cornea changes from a ball to a cone, the smooth surface becomes slightly wavy. This condition is known as irregular astigmatism.
- As the front of the cornea expands, the eye becomes more near-sighted. That is, only nearby objects can be seen clearly. Far away objects will look like a blur.
Diagnosis
Measurement of curvature of the cornea using instruments like keratometer, which shines a pattern of light into the cornea. The shape of the reflection of the pattern tells the doctor how the eye is curved.Corneal topography makes three-dimensional “maps” of the cornea.
Treatments
- New eyeglasses, and then contact lenses to correct vision changes
New eyeglasses will be able to make the vision clear in mild cases of keratoconus. In the long run, it will be needed to use contact lenses. Rigid lenses are used most frequently in keratoconus patients.
- Corneal transplantation will be needed in severe cases.
The condition will progress at a moderate pace for ten to twenty years and stops in a person late 30’s or 40’s. Most of the patients find relief by the usage of glasses/contact lenses. About 10% will need a corneal transplant for a complete cure.
Complications
Distorted vision, although not complete blindness
The inability of the eye to focus without eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Keratoconus can be dangerous if laser vision correction surgery — LASIK or PRK is performed on the eye.
Anyone with even a mild tendency of keratoconus should not have laser vision correction surgery.
Disease & Ayurveda
Keratoconus – Timira(Vaatikam)
Nidana
Causes for vitiating thridoshas
Diet &behaviour which are bad for eyes
Purvaaroopa
Avyaktam – Vision becomes not clear
Samprapti
Due to the causes, doshas predominantly Pitta reaches the head, then the eyes and cause eye diseases.
Lakshana
Vyaaviddhadrishti – Straight line appears curved
Chala-Aavila-Arunabhadrishti – Moving/blurred/reddish tinted vision
Muhu: Prasannam cha eekshate – Blinking vision
Jaalanikesaanmasakaan – Abnormal vision of net, hair, mosquito etc.
Rasmin cha – Appearance of rays of light in front of eyes
Divisions
Not mentioned
Prognosis
Yaapya
Sadhya in some cases in very early stages
Chikithsa
Samana
Lepa (application of paste),
Seka (pouring over the eyes).
Sodhana
Repeated Sneha (unction),
Asra-visrāvaṇa (bloodletting), – Jaloukavacharana(Leech therapy)
Reka (purgation),
Nasya (nasal medication),
Añjana (collyrium),
Mūrdha-Basti (retention of oil on the head),
Basti Kriyā (enema),
Tarpaṇa (retention of ghee in the eye),
Commonly used medicines
Thrivrutathaiala
Jeevantyadi ghrutam
Brands available
AVS Kottakal
Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala
AVP Coimbatore
Oushadhi
Home remedies
There is no effective home remedy for keratoconus.
But the following preventive measures can be helpful in the protection of cornea:
- Ensure enough intake of anti-oxidants and vitamins
- Control any allergic reactions
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses while going out
- Keep the eyes and eye wares hygienic
- Avoid scratching or rubbing of eyes
- Use artificial tears to prevent dryness
Diet
- To be avoided
Any hard item, tough to bite or chew.
Heavy meals and difficult to digest foods – cause indigestion.
Junk foods- cause a disturbance in digestion and reduces the bioavailability of the medicine
Carbonated drinks – makes the stomach more acidic and disturbed digestion
Refrigerated and frozen foods – causes weak and sluggish digestion by weakening Agni (digestive fire)
Milk and milk products – increase Kapha and cause respiratory problems
Curd – causes vidaaha and thereby many other diseases
- To be added
Light meals and easily digestible foods
Green gram, soups, honey, fruits and vegetables, cow’s ghee.
Freshly cooked and warm food processed with cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, ajwain, etc
Behavior:
Protect yourself from too much heat or cold.
Avoid head bath and tongue scraping.
Better to avoid exposure to excessive sunlight, wind, rain, or dust.
Maintain a regular food and sleep schedule.
Avoid stress.
Avoid holding or forcing urges like urine, faeces, cough, sneeze, etc.
Avoid sleeping late night and day sleep.
Yoga
- IN PERSONS WITH SEVERE INFLAMMATORY DISEASES AND EYE DISEASES, EXERCISE IS NOT RECOMMENDED
Yoga can maintain harmony within the body and with the surrounding system.
Nadisudhi pranayama
Suryanamaskara
Bhujangasana
Simple exercises for lungs and heart health
All the exercises and physical exertions must be decided and done under the supervision of a medical expert only.
Research articles
file:///C:/Users/saraswathy/Downloads/612-1-1777-1-10-20180917.pdf
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