AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO VISION STABILIZATION IN MIXED RETINOPATHY WITH SUPEROTEMPORAL BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION: A CASE REPORT

Mixed retinopathy with superotemporal branch retinal vein occlusion (STBRVO) is a vision-threatening retinal vascular disorder characterized by venous congestion, hemorrhages, edema, and ischemic changes in elderly patients, especially those with long-standing systemic comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Conventional management focuses on intravitreal pharmacotherapy and laser interventions, which may have limitations in long-term outcomes. From an Ayurvedic perspective, such conditions can be correlated with Sannipataja Timira involving Pitta and Rakta Dushti. This case report presents a 75-year-old female patient with progressive painless diminution of vision in the right eye, associated with photopsia and central vision loss, diagnosed as mixed retinopathy with STBRVO. The patient had previously undergone laser photocoagulation and intravitreal triamcinolone injections with no visual improvement. She was subsequently managed with Ayurvedic interventions including Virechana, Pratimarsha Nasya, Padabhyanga, and internal medications. Post-treatment assessment showed improvement in ocular comfort, and stabilization of visual function without further deterioration during follow-up. This case highlights the role of Ayurvedic systemic purification and Netra roga chikitsa in stabilizing vision and improving quality of life in chronic retinal disorders.