Over the past 20 years, I have tried an integrated approach to the treatment of ophthalmic cases with my friend Dr. Ranjit Maniar who is a Consulting Ophthalmic Surgeon in Mumbai. I have also had the opportunity to present papers to members of the Bombay Ophthalmic Society at their scientific sessions, viz. “The Role of Homoeopathy in Ophthalmology” at K.E. M. Hospital, Mumbai (March 1996) and “Homoeopathy in Uveitis” at P. D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, (July 1998). Many cured cases were discussed with the distinguished audience in both these sessions. I was also a faculty at an International Conference on Ophthalmology ‘Eye Advance 2008’ at Mumbai, India (August 2008).
The different types of ophthalmic conditions that I have successfully treated with homoeopathy are post- operative inflammations and ophthalmic infections, intra-ocular hemorrhages, post-traumatic conditions of the eyes, uveitis and of course common eye diseases like conjunctivitis and styes. Many cases of glaucoma, keratitis and corneal ulcers have also responded very well to homoeopathy.
Of the many ophthalmic cases referred to me for treatment, I have found that the most common condition that I am required to treat is uveitis. The patients with uveitis come with different presentations ranging from an acute state to a chronic state.
Uveitis is most commonly classified anatomically as anterior, intermediate, posterior, or diffuse. Anterior uveitis is localized primarily to the anterior segment of the eye and includes iritis and iridocyclitis. Intermediate uveitis, also called peripheral uveitis, is centered in the area immediately behind the iris and lens in the region of the ciliary body and pars plana, hence the alternate terms “cyclitis” and “pars planitis.” Posterior uveitis signifies any of a number of forms of retinitis, choroiditis, or optic neuritis. Diffuse uveitis implies inflammation involving all parts of the eye, including anterior, intermediate, and posterior structures.
Many of the patients referred with chronic anterior uveitis have already had previous attacks of the disease in the past and it is known for this relapsing state. In anterior uveitis, most attacks last from a few days to weeks with treatment, but relapses are common. In posterior uveitis, the inflammation may last from months to years and may cause permanent vision damage, even with conventional (allopathic) treatment.
Causes of uveitis can include trauma, autoimmune disorders, infection, or exposure to toxins. However in many cases, the cause remains unknown. This wide range of causes also translates into the need for constitutional and miasmatic prescribing wherever necessary. The systemic symptoms as well as the complications underscore the need for an effective therapy that not only treats the disease but also prevents the recurrence and complications. Convenional (allopathic) therapy is not always able to achieve the expected results. This is where the homoeopathic medicine comes into the picture.
The patients referred for homoeopathic treatment are prescribed the indicated homoeopathic remedy after proper case taking, and the causation, mental symptoms, physical generals and the particular symptoms are all taken into consideration and given their due importance.
The patients who are on anti-inflammatory conventional (allopathic) drugs before referral for homoeopathic treatment are weaned off the medication within a maximum period of two weeks. Those who are on steroids are slowly tapered off the medication under the guidance of the ophthalmic surgeon. In most cases the patients are only on homoeopathic medicines within a period of 3-5 weeks of commencement of treatment.
The patient is referred back to the ophthalmic surgeon at regular intervals ranging from weekly (in cases of acute uveitis) to monthly (chronic uveitis) or as per the wishes of the ophthalmic surgeon. He would note his findings and refer the patient back with his evaluation of the patient’s progress.
The patient’s subjective symptoms as well as the ophthalmic surgeon’s findings are considered by me to plan the next prescription.