Chapter II - Pathology of the diseases of the eye-joints

Now we shall discourse on the chapter which deals with the pathology of diseases which are peculiar to the joints or binding membranes of the eye (Sandhi-gata-Roga-Vijnaniya).

The names of those diseases:—

Diseases peculiar to the joining (Sandhi) of the eye are nine in number and are named Puyalasa, Upanaha, (the four kinds of) Srava (viz. Puya-srava, Shleshma-srava, Rakta-srava, Pitta-srava), Parvani, Alaji and Krimi-granthi. 2.

Symptoms of Puyalasa and Upanaha:—

A suppurated swelling occurring at any of these joining and exuding a sort of fetid and dense^[1] pus is called Puyalasa. A painless cyst (Granthi) of considerable size occurring at the union of the pupil (with the Krishna-mandala) and attended with an itching sensation and a little suppuration is called Upangha. 3. A.

Symptoms of Srava:—

The (deranged) Doshas^[2] of the locality passing through the lachrymal ducts into the binding tissues of the four different Sandhis (joinings) set up a painless^[3] secretion (Srava) from the localities characterised by the specific symptoms of the different Doshas involved. These are known as Sravas, which according to some, are also called Netra-nadi and are classified into four different groups, the different symptoms of which will be described presently. A suppuration (D. R. swelling) in any of the unions (Sandhi) of the eye marked by a discharge of pus is called Puya-srava. This is due to the concerted action of the Doshas (Kapha, Pitta and blood). The secretion of slimy, white and thick muco-purulent discharges marked by the absence of pain^[4] is called Shleshma-srava. The flow of thin, warm^[5] and blood-streaked copious discharge due to a contaminated state of the local blood is called Rakta-srava. A warm, water-like and yellowish blue (D. R. reddish yellow) discharge from the middle part of the union (owing to the deranged condition of the Pitta) is called Pitta-srava. 3.

Symptoms of Parvani, etc.:—

A small, round and copper-coloured swelling occurring at the joining of the Krishna-mandala and Shukla-mandala, due to the vitiated state of the local blood and attended with a burning sensation and aching pain, is called Parvani. A swelling possessed of the preceding features and occurring at the very same joining is called Alaji (Keratitis)^[6]. A cyst or swelling (Granthi) characterised by an itching sensation appearing on the joining of the eye-lids and eye-lashes owing to the germination of parasites (Krimi) in those localities, is called Krimi-granthi. Parasites of different forms in such a case are found to infest the regions where the inner lining of the Vartma-mandala (eye-lid) is connected with the Shukla-mandala (Sclerotic coat) of the eye and to invade and vitiate the substance of the eye-ball. 4—5.

 

Thus ends the second chapter of the Uttara-Tantra in the Sushruta Samhita which deals with the pathology of the diseases peculiar to the Sandhi (unions) of the eye.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

According to Mādhava’s reading, the swelling should be painful (satodaḥ)- There is no mention whether the pus should be dense (sāndra) or otherwise.

[2]:

The term “Dosha” here means Śleshmā, Pitta, Rakta (blood) and the concerted action of the above three Doshas. It should be noted that Vāyu is excluded from the list as it does not produce any secretion.

[3]:

Mādhava does not mention this (painlessness) to be a symptom.

[4]:

According to Mādhava’s reading, the absence of pain is not a necessary concomitant in this case.

[5]:

According to Mādhava’s reading thinness and warmness are not essential.

[6]:

The difference between a case of Parvani and that of Alaji is that the swelling in a case of Parvani is smaller, and that in the Alaji is larger.