Abstract
Stargardt disease is a genetic condition, a common form of macular dystrophy or also known as fundus flavimaculatus that is caused by tiny alterations on the genetic level. This is an eye-related disorder, the eyes are the organs that help us to see the world, and many parts of the eye work together to bring the objects into focus and share useful information with the brain. The eye consists of various parts like the sclera, cornea, iris, pupil, retina, and lens, along with various muscles and other structures. All these vital parts of the eyes play significant roles and important functions resulting in the perception of vision. If some injuries or any type of trauma occurs to these parts they may lose their functioning capacity and may hinder their vision. In Stargardt disease, the vision is affected and is known as an inherited disorder. In this article writing, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and Ayurvedic management of this disease.
Introduction
Stargardt disease is an inherited eye disorder that disturbs the vision, and may lead to total vision loss. This condition is also called macular dystrophy, this condition can be noticed in early childhood or in adolescent age and even in adult age in a very few cases. In Stargardt disease, there is a deposition of a fatty layer on the macula of the eye, macula is a small structure located in the retina of the eye and is highly responsible for the sharp, central vision. This disease is said to be genetic because it is passed to children by their parents.
What are the Causes of Stargardt Disease?
If we have discussed that it is a genetic disorder then genetic changes must happen to a particular gene that is named ABCA4. This gives a great impact on the absorption of Vitamin A in the body. And as we know Vitamin A is very important to produce the cells in the retinal tissue which is located at the back of the eye, it is a light-sensitive layer of the tissue.
The main function of the ABCA4 gene is to clarify the fatty material by synthesising a protein. So in this Stargardt disease, this gene is ineffective, and can't do its work, and as a result, a fatty layer starts to clog the macula and after some time, this fatty layer leads to killing the light-sensitive cells and also destroys the central vision. This disease is said to be inherited, so it may be caused if parents are already suffering from this condition.
What are the Symptoms of Stargardt Disease?
- The most common symptom is loss of central vision slowly or gradually in both eyes. Some may lose their vision quickly or some may take time.
- Spotting of grey colour, black colour, or hazy spots may be seen in the centre of the vision.
- Light sensitivity is a peculiar effect in this condition.
- Unable to focus when the light effect changes like going from light to dark places.
- Visual acuity starts demolishing slowly and fastens with time and suddenly goes off.
- Over time peripheral vision loss may occur.
How will your doctor Diagnose Stargardt Disease?
Stargardt disease can be checked by dilating the pupils. This is done by adding some drops of pupil dilator solution to widen the pupils and then check for the signs of Stargardt disease, it will be seen as yellow colour fatty layer deposition in flecks form on the macula.
- Colour vision testing
- Electroretinography
- Genetic testing
- Fundus photography
Ayurvedic View For Stargardt Disease
This condition is developed due to genetic and hereditary conditions, so in Ayurveda this concept of genetic structure is correlated with beeja, beeja bhag and with beej bhag avyava. When these are vitiated it shows its impact on the chromosomes and genetic structures, and also on the tridoshas that are vata, pitta and kapha. So to manage this condition effectively we have to balance the doshas and beej dushti that can be done by effective formulations. Our Acharyas have mentioned the treatment of these types of diseases in classical textbooks. Planet Ayurveda provides those medications for the needful persons by using classical methods to prepare them and modify them according to the severity of the disease.
Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Stargardt Disease
Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing company that provides various formulations prepared in a classical manner and provides them to improve the condition effectively. Here, the formulations are prepared by 100% natural products that are totally free from colours, dyes, fillers, and various other chemical constituents. Above mentioned formulations are very beneficial for the Stargardt disease that are described as below -
- Brahmi Ghrit
- Angel Eye Vitale
- Saptamrit Loha
- Kamdudha Ras (Moti Yukt)
- Amalaki Rasayan
Products Description
1. Brahmi Ghrit
This is a classical herbal formulation that is prepared by Planet Ayurveda consisting of brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), vacha (Acorus calamus), and many more. These are prepared to be consumed in ghrit formulation and very effective in managing the overall eye diseases, like it helps to improve the eyesight, headaches, light sensitivity, and also improves the brain functioning.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice a day after meals with warm water.
2. Angel Eye Vitale
This is a patent herbal formulation manufactured by Planet Ayurveda consisting of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Gotukola (Centella asiatica) etc. these herbs are very helpful in maintaining neuromuscular health, and has great properties to balance the aggravated tridosha. These Drops help to soothe the eyes and improve the light sensitivity and maintain visual acuity.
Dosage: 1 Capsule once or twice a day after meals with warm water.
3. Saptamrit Loha
This is a classical herbal formulation manufactured by Planet Ayurveda consisting of Loha bhasma (iron ash), Swarna bhasma (gold ash), etc, this herbal formulation is very effective in all the eye-ear-related diseases, this helps to pacify tridoshas. Various Acharyas have told about this preparation as it is peculiarly effective in Urdhawa jatrugata vikaras.
Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day after meals with warm water.
4. Kamdudha Ras (Moti Yukt)
This is a classical herbo-mineral formulation prepared by Planet Ayurveda consisting of prawal pishti, mukta pishti, mukta shukti and many more. This is very useful in alleviating the Pitta dosha as it has a soothing effect on the body, improves the digestion process, and helps in removing the toxins from the body like Ama pachana.
Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day after meals with warm water.
5. Amalaki Rasayan
This is a classical herbal formulation consisting of the standardised effect of Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis). This is very effective in neuromuscular diseases and helps to improve vision power. Regular use of one Amla can enhance the eyesight, or it is very rich in various immune-boosting agents that help to demolish all types of diseases and is rich in Vitamin C and A that are very good for eyes.
Dosage: 1 Capsule once or twice a day after meals with warm water.
Facts about Stargardt Disease
- The prevalence of this macular degenerative disorder is found in 1 in 10,000 persons.
- This is a progressive disorder, over time this disease gets worse, but may vary from person to person.
- This is a genetic disorder caused by defects in ABCA4 genes and it may be inherited in families when both parents are carriers.
Conclusion
Stargardt disease is a rare genetic eye disease that happens due to the deposition of a yellow-colored fatty layer over the macula that leads to hindrance of vision. For this disease, Ayurvedic formulations are very effective and give wonderful results, in very short time intervals. Acharyas have mentioned some miraculous herbal medications that give strength to the eyes and properly nourish the body with essential elements.
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