World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

ROLE OF CHAKSHUSHYA BASTI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Dr. Arjun Babu* and Dr. Hamsaveni V.

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is a widely prevalent disease in the current era. It can be defined as a metabolic disorder caused due to the
combination of environmental or hereditary factors resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels. Long term
high blood sugar levels will have negative effects on the entire body and its functions and may lead to Diabetic
Neuropathy, Diabetic Nephropathy and Diabetic Retinopathy. The risk of development of blindness in diabetes
increases by 20-25 times as compared to the normal population. Diabetic Retinopathy, being a microangiopathy
which affects the retinal precapillary arterioles, capillaries and venules, is the most difficult to manage and
disabling as it affects the vision of the patient. Our Acharyas have considered prameha as a “Mahagada” and
stated it as Krichrasadhya or Yapya. Inclusion of prameha among the eight major disorders in Charaka Samhita
indicates the importance given to the disease by our ancient seers. The complication of prameha is considered to be
the kledata in rakta and raktavahsrotas leading to the vitiation of tridoshas and causing vikruthi in all the
trimarmas. In shiras it usually affects the netra indriya leading to a wide range of complications that may lead to
blindness. Information about the role of chakshushya basti in diabetic retinopathy is taken from contemporary
textbooks of Ayurveda to understand the treatment approach. While describing the importance of basti chikitsa,
Acharya Susrutha has mentioned „Chakshushyuhu prinayati’ which improves the vision. Acharya Vaghbata has
mentioned about Chakshushya basti which acts both as Rasayana for chakshu and has Raktapittahara effects.
Hence this treatment modality exhibits both preventive as well as curative aspects in the management of diabetic
retinopathy.

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