Macular Edema

What is Macular Edema?

It is simply a build-up of fluid in the region of retina called Macula and to be precise, at the center of retina. Well, then what is retina? It is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. So, the macula which is a part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. When there is fluid build-up in this region, it cause the macula to swell and thicken. thus causes vision impairment.

What causes Macular Edema?

Most common cause is diabetic retinopathy and also after eye surgery. Macular edema can also happen after eye surgery in association with age-related macular degeneration or as a result of inflammatory diseases that effects the eye. Any diseases that damage the blood vessels in the retina can cause macular edema.

Age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease characterized by deterioration or breakdown of the macula, which is responsible for sharp, central vision. In neovascular AMD, also called “wet” AMD, blood vessels begin to grow up from the choroid (the bed of blood vessels below the retina) and into the retina. These new and abnormal blood vessels leak fluid into the macula and cause macular edema.

In naturopathy, its simply cause by accumulation of waste/toxins in organs of our body. Liver/Gall Bladder as the wood element has vital energy force imbalance. Why? Environmental, improper food digestions and mood of the person who had this problem.

Macular degeneration is due to blood deficiency and Qi deficiency. The liver is the blood storing organ. Blood deficiency of the liver will lead to malnutrition of the eye.

Therefore, the therapeutic principles are to replenish the liver and kidney, to promote circulation and to resolve the presence of phlegm and dampness that can block the circulation in the eyes. The circulation in the eyes is controlled by the spleen/stomach organs.

This dis-ease can be reversed by bringing back the Shakti force (Qi) to the impacted organ(s) and with proper food digestion and behavioral modification(life-styles), one could recover enjoy better vision. Thodu Varma (Acupuncture therapy) can be administered with ease to alleviate the dis-ease.