THE ROLE OF NUTRITION AND INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLES IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (ARMD): A LITERATURE REVIEW

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is a major cause of irreversible central vision loss in the elderly population. It primarily involves the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp and fine visual detail. In contemporary medicine, ARMD is classified into two forms: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular). Key contributing factors include oxidative stress, persistent inflammation, drusen build-up, and degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium. In wet ARMD, the formation of abnormal new blood vessels leads to significant impairment of vision. In Ayurveda, ARMD can be correlated with Drishtigata Rogas, particularly Timira, which is linked with aggravated Vata Dosha, tissue depletion (Dhatu Kshaya), and under-nutrition (Apatarpana). Wet ARMD also presents features resembling Rakta-Pitta Dushti due to bleeding tendencies and leakage from blood vessels. This review outlines the pathophysiological mechanisms of both dry and wet forms of ARMD and emphasizes the role of dietary antioxidants in slowing disease progression. It also discusses the supportive benefits of Ayurvedic interventions such as Rasayana therapy and Chakshushya measures for eye health.