# Prakriti phenotyping in Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR): case series on Ayurvedic therapeutic outcomes in Vata individuals

## TL;DR

This case series explores how Ayurvedic treatments improved retinal health in patients with Central Serous Retinopathy linked to Vata constitution.

## Contribution

It introduces Prakriti phenotyping as a novel approach to personalize Ayurvedic treatment for retinal disorders.

## Key findings

- Three Vata Prakriti CSR patients showed improved visual acuity and resolved macular fluid after Ayurvedic treatment.
- No recurrence was observed in patients over a 1-year follow-up period.
- Ayurvedic interventions demonstrated favorable structural and functional outcomes in CSR management.

## Abstract

Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR) is a retinal disorder characterized by serous detachment of the neurosensory retina, commonly associated with psychological stress and Type A personality traits. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these features correspond to Vata predominance, marked by hyperactivity, anxiety, and autonomic instability. Such individuals may be constitutionally predisposed to disorders of Vata imbalance, including retinal pathologies resembling Vataja Shopha. This case series explores therapeutic outcomes of Ayurvedic management in CSR among individuals with Vata Prakriti.

Three patients-two males (aged 65 and 46 years) and one female (aged 40 years), diagnosed with CSR and confirmed as Vata Prakriti through a standardized questionnaire, were treated with an identical Ayurvedic regimen comprising Ashwagandha tablets, Punarnavadi Kashaya, Tiktaka Ghrita, Kalyanaka Ghrita, and Triphala Churna. Local ocular therapies included Shiro Pichu with Brahmi Ghrita, Pratimarsha Nasya with Anu Taila, and Anjana Karma with Elaneer Kozhumbu. Lifestyle advice emphasized regular sleep, timely meals, guided meditation, and reduced screen exposure. All three patients demonstrated marked improvement in visual acuity and complete anatomical resolution of macular fluid on Optical Coherence Tomography within 4–17 months. No recurrence was observed over 1 year of follow-up.

This case series highlights a possible association between CSR and Vata Prakriti. Vata pacifying and Rasayana based Ayurvedic interventions showed favorable visual and structural outcomes. Incorporating Prakriti phenotyping in ocular disease management may enhance personalized, integrative approaches to retinal disorders.