IMPACT OF RADIATION ON THE EYE AND ITS

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

Dr. Rajesh L. Gadhiya

Lecturer, Dept. of Shalakyatantra,

G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies & Research, New Vallabhvidyanagar.

Purpose:

• To study physic of Radiation in environmentand its hazardous effects on various ocularmedia.

• To explore contribution of Ayurved to preventand minimize effect of radiation on eye.

Material and method:

• Radiation:

• In terms of classical theory, electromagnetic radiation, the flow of energy at the universal speed of light through free space or through a material medium in the form of the electric and magnetic fields that make up electromagnetic waves such as radio waves, visible light, and gamma rays.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/183228/electromagnetic-radiation, accesed in april 2015;

Fig.1. Electromagnetic radiation

Generically, electromagnetic spectrum is formed byradio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, X-rays andgamma rays. Their applications are presented in Fig. 2.

INFRARED RADIATION EFFECTS ON EYE:

Most of people enjoy the heating effect ofinfrared from the sun, but, in the same time, most ofthe industrial sources of infrared with hightemperature furnaces are harmful for the human eye,such as in the glass and steel industries. In industrialactivities are using arc lamps, electric radiant heatersor some type of laser (YAG or carbon dioxide laser)which also give off infrared (Fig. 3). Evidently, IR-C isthe most dangerous for the human eye, because of thehigher wavelength, farthest from the visible spectrum(the most safe and healthy for ocular media).

The effects of the IR on ocular structure:• Eyelids-

The most common affectionson the eyelid range from mildreddening to third degree burnsand, in extreme cases, death of theskin, when are exposed to veryhigh levels of infrared deliveredover a short period of time or tolow levels of infrared over a longperiod. Infrared eyelid affectionsare hardly ever found in theindustrial applications.

• Cornea-Because the cornea transmits 96% of incident

infrared in the range 700-1400 (nm), the level ofdamage to occur is quite high, especially in the rangeof 750-990 (nm). The radiation effects on the corneafrom this type of radiation involve protein coagulationof the front and middle layers (the epithelium andstroma). At higher dose of IR, damage to the corneaproduces immediate pain and vascularization.Eventually, the burn can causes ulcers, which leads toloss of transparency and opacification.

• Iris-

Depending on the degrees of pigmentation,the iris can absorbs between 53% and 98% ofincident infrared in the 750-900 (nm) range. Inlong exposure, the most common medicalaffections are swelling, cell death, hyperaemia andpupillary miosis. The higher wavelengths cancause inflammations and burns.

• Lens- The crystalline transmits wavelengthshigher than (1400 nm) selected by the corneaand aqueous humour. The most commonaffection is cataract, which is associated withcertain types of occupations involving prolongedexposure to IR.

• Retina-The energy radiation that is reaching the retina

is absorbed by the epithelium. Depending on somefactors (pupil size, the optical quality of the retinalimage, exposure duration, size of the retinal image,quality of the retina), high infrared energy causes arise in temperature and some kind of damage. Inindustrial applications, the radiant power and theexposure duration are essential. Also, the retinalpigmentation is very important, that is the cause thatthe most common damages are burns anddepigmentation.

Management through AyurvedicScience:• No remedial measures for the prevention and care of this

pathology except use of spectacles, contact lenses, gaspermeable hard lenses, intraocular lenses, goggles,shields, or helmets that use absorptive or reflectivefilters to control the undesirable radiation .

• This prevalence in modern ophthalmology opens thedoor to the other systems of medicine to suggest,experiment and contribute the drugs to alleviate or tocheck the deterioration.

• This challenge of the time was accepted by the Ayurvedicscholars, as they believed that nature provides both thediseases and drugs together. Eyes were greatly valued byancient Indians and much importance has been accordedto their protection.

Discussion:

• Chakshushya, the term indicating regenerationof eye sight was in practice in India sincecenturies. The classics of ancient Indian’swisdom have invented and practiced many drugslike Triphala, Saptamrita lauha etc., diets,procedures (i. e. Tarpana, Nasya, Putapaka,Parisheka etc.) and regimen for the benefit ofthe weak eyes.

• Parisheka-

Various types of Parisheka yogas arementioned in Samhitas for treatment of Dry eyelike Saindhav mixed with milk restores normalosmolarity of tears which helps in nourishmentand rejuvenation of ocular surface.

• Nasya-

Good numbers of Nasya yogas are alsodescribed for treatment of eye disease because noseis a gateway of drug administration in case ofUrdhwajatrugata rogas & Nasya is the onlyprocedure which directly influences all Indriyas.

• Anjana-

Wide number of Anjanayogas mentioned specificallyfor treatment of Timira inSamhitas. Probably, it acts assubconjunctival injection,permeability is also possiblethrough the sclera and entersinto the systemic circulationand may act on posteriorsegmental disorders of theeye.• Prof. K.S. Dhiman Opthalmic, ENT & Oro-dental Therapeutics in

Ayurveda, Shalakyatantra Kriyakalpa Vijnana, ChaukhambhaViswabharti, Varanasi, 2013;

• Tarpana-

The word Tarpana is derivedfrom root ‘Trup’ which means tobecome satisfied. Thus the wordTarpana karma means anythingwhich satisfies or regenerates orrejuvenates. Absorption of the drug inTarpana procedure is more becausethe drugs used are lipid suspension.Penetration of the fat solublesubstance is high irrespective ofmolecular size. Tissue contact time ofthe drug is also more so the bio-availability and therapeuticconcentration can be achieved.

• Putapaka-

Numerous yogas of Putapaka is mentionedin severe xerotic condition of eye. By applicationof Putapaka as Tarpana procedure enhancesmore effects in term of epithelio-trophic growth ofocular surface and nourishment of choroid andretina by means of concentric properties ofmedication used in Putapaka.

Conclusion:

• Although Ayurved is holistic science takes careof human being with helps of nature. Medicamentsand procedure of application described compensatevitiated Doshas and Dhatus. So, it is irrelevant toexactly explain pharmacology of Ayurvedicmedicines on bases of Modern science. But forglobalization of Ayurved and increased numbers oflife style disorders in world population it ismandatory to find a better solution for preventionand management of diseases occurred due to impactof radiation on eye. Management mentioned byauthor is adaptive to restore normalcy and strengthsof ocular structure.

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