Novel ayurveda management of central serous retinopathy (c.s.r.): an explorative case report

CSR is a retinal disorder that presents with the formation of fluid at the subretinal level, indeed bringing about vision impairment. It has some relation to hormonal and fluid imbalances due to stress, especially in subjects carrying high-stress profiles. Conventional treatments involving laser therapy or anti-VEGF injections only aim at treating the symptoms rather than preventing recurrence. Maybe CSR management can also emerge from Ayurveda due to the body system balancing approach inherent within it. This case study aims to report an attempt under Ayurvedic management for effective CSR treatment with dosific balance and systemic fluid retention under the care of other stress factors. Ayurvedic treatment was given to a 45-year-old female who was having no response to one year of conventional treatment of CSR. She was given therapy in combination with Gokshuradi Guggulu and Punarnavashtaka Kwatha. Simultaneously, Brahmi Vati and Avipattikar Churna were given to decrease fluid levels, inflammation, and stress. OCT follow-up during ocular examination. During baseline assessment, significant macular edema was noticed, and reduced visual acuity at 6/18 was present in the affected eye. With the Ayurvedic intervention that lasted for three months, the OCT scan revealed reduced macular thickness, normalization of fluid balance, and normalization of vision to 6/6, in near vision improvement from N10 to N6 and no relapse for up to 1.5 years. Ayurvedic management for CSR, using Pitta balance and stress management, decreased fluid accumulation, restored vision, and reduced recurrence. This case can establish Ayurveda as a primary or adjunct therapy for chronic disorders like CSR of the retina. It points to the necessity of including holistic approaches and further studies for validation of these results.