Clinical studies in Rasayana therapy have proved that certain drugs used for treating ophthalmic diseases are effective in tackling senile problems of the eye and have a significant role in managing age related ophthalmic conditions, said experts.

In the seminar on management of geriatric disorders in Ayurveda and Siddha conducted by Dr. A Lakshmipathi Research Centre for Ayurveda, a branch of CCRAS, experts from Central Research Institute for Ayurveda said that clinical studies were conducted on certain ayurvedic formulations and herbo-mineral compounds to study the efficacy in age-related macular degeneration, age-related cataract, diabetic retinopathy and chronic simple glaucoma.

Studies were conducted to evaluate the clinical and therapeutic effects of Mahatriphalaghrita, a compound ghee formulation on topical use, along with internal medication and punarnava in cases of chronic simple glaucoma with a good result. The studies revealed significant reduction in intra-ocular pressure and marked improvement in visual acuity, besides arrest of further spread of visual field defects.

Another study on 30 cases of age related cataract using distillate palash (Butea monosperma) has shown improvement in visual acuity and also slowed down the progress in senile immature cortical cataract in a majority of patients. Single and compound ophthalmic drugs such as Guduchi, Yasada Bhasma, Amalaki, Pravala etc., possessing rasayana effects and anti-oxidant activity and ophthalmic properties have shown improvement in visual acuity in age related neuro ophthalmic conditions where modern medicines offers no cure. The studies revealed that these ayurvedic drugs are clinically safe and bio-chemical safety profiles like liver and kidney parameters also remained unaltered.

Though the studies have shown better results, certain bio-chemical aspects in the cataract assessment like estimation of soluble and insoluble proteins, concentration of glutamine, assessment of protein disulfide bonds, assessment of lipid-protein aggregates have to be studied to establish the mode of action of ayurvedic preparations.

The seminar on management of geriatric disorders in Ayurveda and Siddha discussed the latest developments of clinical and literary research and health promotion methods in Ayurveda on the geriatric problems.