Ayurvedic Management of Dry Eye

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Ayurvedic Management of Dry Eye
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Chichili Dhanushya
PG Scholar, PG Studies-Shalya, Shalakya, Prasuthi Tantra, Dr. BRKR Government Ayurveda College and Hospital, Erragadda, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Ch.Ramadevi
Professor and HOD, PG Studies-Shalya, Shalakya, Prasuthi Tantra, Dr. BRKR Government Ayurveda College and Hospital, Erragadda, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
K.Anasuya
Principal, Dr. BRKR Government Ayurveda College and Hospital, Erragadda, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Ayurvedic Management of Dry Eye

Year: 2024 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v11i2.1538

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Dry eye syndrome is a multifaceted condition characterized by an imbalance in tear production and drainage, leading to discomfort, visual disturbances, and potential damage to the ocular surface. Factors contributing to dry eyes include environmental elements such as wind, smoke, and prolonged screen time, particularly from computers. The condition is notably prevalent, with estimates indicating that between 5% and 50% of the global population may be affected, and the rates in India are significantly higher. In Ayurveda, this disorder is referenced as Shushkakshipaka, attributed mainly to the vitiation of the Vata and Pitta doshas—essential energy principles that govern bodily functions.

Ayurvedic Perspectives on Dry Eye

Ayurveda views dry eye not merely as an ocular surface disorder but as a reflection of underlying systemic imbalances, particularly involving the metabolic pathways producing tears—classified as Asru—which derive from the Rasa, Meda, and Majja dhatus (tissue elements). The condition manifests due to dryness (Vishushkata) and other symptoms such as blurred vision, gritty sensations, and a general discomfort in the eyes. Treatments traditionally employed include forms of local therapies, primarily targeting the root cause of the ailment through systemic purification processes, ultimately aiming to restore the balance in bodily humors.

Treatment Modalities Employed

In a clinical case study examining a 46-year-old female patient diagnosed with Shushkakshipaka, an Ayurvedic treatment approach was utilized involving a combination of substances and methods. The treatment regimen included Deepana (appetizing herbal medicines), Pachana (digestive aids), Kosta Shodhana (purification of the digestive tract), and local applications such as Ksheera Saindhava Prakshalana and Suntyadi Anjana (eye ointments). The patient's symptoms showed progressive improvement over the treatment cycle, reducing sensations of dryness and discomfort significantly.

Conclusion

The integration of Ayurvedic practices in treating dry eye syndrome highlights a holistic approach to eye health that focuses not only on symptom management but also addresses underlying systemic issues. This comparative method stands in contrast to modern medical strategies that primarily target symptoms instead of etiology. The case study indicates that traditional methods might offer meaningful benefits for patients suffering from chronic dry eye, necessitating further exploration into the effectiveness of Ayurvedic therapies for comprehensive treatment options.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are the main symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as dryness, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, itching, and sometimes blurred vision. Patients may also experience paradoxical tearing and ropy mucus discharge.

How is dry eye treated in Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic treatment for dry eye involves techniques like Deepana, Pachana, Ksheera Saindhava Prakshalana, and Suntyadi Anjana. These methods aim to balance Vata and Pitta doshas, enhance tear production, and provide relief from symptoms.

What is the significance of the Schirmer test?

The Schirmer test measures tear secretion. It helps assess the severity of dry eye condition. In the studied case, improvements were noted over treatment cycles, with increasing tear production reflected in Schirmer test results.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic Management of Dry Eye”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Anjana (Amjana):
Anjana is an Ayurvedic formulation used as a topical application on the eyes. It acts by stimulating tear secretion, serving as a foreign body that prompts the eye to produce tears, thus relieving symptoms of dry eye. It contains nanoparticles that enhance its bioavailability and absorption through the conjunctiva and cornea.

2) Drug:
In the context of this study, drugs refer to Ayurvedic medicines like Anjana and other formulations used for treating dry eye. These drugs are designed to target specific symptoms and underlying causes according to Ayurvedic principles.

3) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation is a common symptom of dry eye, characterized by a feeling of heat or burning in the eyes. Ayurvedic treatments discussed in the text, like Anjana and Nasya, aim to alleviate this symptom.

4) Prakshalana (Praksalana):
Prakshalana involves washing the eyes with medicinal solutions. In this study, Ksheera (milk) and Saindhavadi are used for their therapeutic effects in reducing dryness and inflammation in the eyes by increasing corneal wetting and absorption of drugs.

5) Disease:
Dry eye is the primary disease discussed in the text, characterized by insufficient tear production or abnormal tear composition. It falls under the category of ocular diseases in Ayurveda, specifically correlated with Shushkakshipaka.

6) Vata:
Vata dosha is one of the primary doshas in Ayurveda, and its vitiation is considered a major pathological factor in the manifestation of Shushkakshipaka, or dry eye. Treatments aim to balance vitiated Vata to restore tear production.

7) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional Hindu system of medicine mentioned throughout the text. It emphasizes balance among bodily systems through diet, herbs, and specific treatments like Nasya and Anjana to treat conditions like dry eye.

8) Pitta:
Pitta dosha is another primary dosha in Ayurveda, and its imbalance is also a contributing factor in dry eye. Ayurvedic treatments focus on balancing Pitta to reduce inflammation and other symptoms.

9) Nasya (Nashya):
Nasya is a type of Ayurvedic therapy that involves the administration of oils or herbal juices through the nasal passages. Anutaila, a type of Nasya, is used in the study to help treat dry eye by clearing blockages and enhancing tear production.

10) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
Saindhava is rock salt used in Ayurvedic treatments for its therapeutic properties. It is often combined with other substances like Ksheera in Prakshalana to reduce inflammation and improve corneal wetting in dry eye treatment.

11) Nature:
The nature of the diseases or treatments often described in Ayurveda is intrinsic to their classification and treatment approach. The text discusses the nature of dry eye and its symptoms, providing a holistic understanding of its etiology and management.

12) Kriya:
Kriya refers to prescribed actions or therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda. Kriyakalpa includes specific treatments like Anjana and Prakshalana for managing ocular conditions such as dry eye.

13) Kalpa:
[see source text or glossary: Kalpa]

14) Ashru (Asru):
[see source text or glossary: Asru]

15) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the fundamental bodily tissues in Ayurveda. Dry eye involves the imbalance of Ashru, which is a byproduct of Rasa, Meda, and Majja Dhatus. Treatments focus on rectifying these tissues to restore proper function.

16) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa dhatu is one of the bodily tissues in Ayurveda. It plays a role in the production of tears; hence, its balance is crucial for treating dry eye. Therapies aim to correct any imbalances in Rasa dhatu.

17) Pain:
Pain in dry eye can manifest as Toda and Bheda (pricking and piercing pain). Ayurvedic treatments seek to alleviate such pain through the use of specific formulations and therapies like Anjana and Prakshalana.

18) Majjadhatu (Majja-dhatu):
Majja dhatu refers to the bone marrow and nervous system tissue in Ayurveda. An imbalance in Majja dhatu can affect tear production, contributing to dry eye. Treatment aims to correct this imbalance to restore eye health.

19) Saindhavadi:
Saindhavadi refers to medicinal formulations containing Saindhava (rock salt). In Prakshalana, Ksheera Saindhavadi is used to treat dry eye by reducing inflammation and improving corneal wetting.

20) Netraroga (Netra-roga):
Netra-roga refers to eye diseases in Ayurveda. Shushkakshipaka, correlated with dry eye, is one such disease. Ayurvedic treatments for Netra-roga include Kriyakalpa like Anjana and Prakshalana.

21) Vitiation (Vitiated):
[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]

22) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to purification therapies in Ayurveda. Kosta Shodhana, a type of purification for the digestive tract, is done before administering Nasya to ensure the body is prepared for treatment, thereby enhancing efficacy in treating dry eye.

23) Anutaila (Anu-taila):
[see source text or glossary: Anu-taila]

24) Medicine:
Ayurvedic medicine comprises various formulations and treatments designed to balance bodily systems. In this study, medicines like Anjana, Anutaila, and Avipattikara Churna are used to manage dry eye by targeting specific symptoms and underlying causes.

25) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
[see source text or glossary: Tantra]

26) Sadhya:
[see source text or glossary: Sadhya]

27) Srotas (Shrotas):
[see source text or glossary: Srotas]

28) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]

29) Taila (Thaila):
[see source text or glossary: Taila]

30) Majja:
[see source text or glossary: Majja]

31) Netra:
[see source text or glossary: Netra]

32) India:
[see source text or glossary: India]

33) Roga:
[see source text or glossary: Roga]

34) Medas (Meda, Medash):
[see source text or glossary: Meda]

35) Paka:
[see source text or glossary: Paka]

36) Pratimarshanasya (Pratimarsanasya, Pratimarsha-nasya):
[see source text or glossary: Pratimarsha-nasya]

37) Madhyamakoshtha (Madhyamakostha, Madhyama-koshtha):
[see source text or glossary: Madhyama-koshtha]

38) Shalakyatantra (Salakyatantra, Shalakya-tantra, Shalakyatamtra):
[see source text or glossary: Shalakya-tantra]

39) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Tridoshahara refers to the property of balancing all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in Ayurveda. Anutaila, used in Nasya, has Tridoshahara properties that help manage dry eye by addressing the imbalances in doshas.

40) Madhurarasa (Madhura-rasa):
[see source text or glossary: Madhura-rasa]

41) Inflammation:
Inflammation in dry eye can be correlated with Paka in Ayurveda. Treatments like Ksheera Saindhavadi Prakshalana are used to reduce inflammation and provide relief from symptoms like itching and burning.

42) Nasyakarman (Nasyakarma, Nasya-karma):
[see source text or glossary: Nasya-karma]

43) Pittahara (Pitta-hara):
[see source text or glossary: Pitta-hara]

44) Vatapitta (Vata-pitta):
[see source text or glossary: Vata-pitta]

45) Discussion:
[see source text or glossary: Discussion]

46) Samprapti:
[see source text or glossary: Samprapti]

47) Samagni (Sama-agni):
[see source text or glossary: Sama-agni]

48) Upashaya (Upasaya):
[see source text or glossary: Upashaya]

49) Madhyama:
[see source text or glossary: Madhyama]

50) Madhura:
[see source text or glossary: Madhura]

51) Koshtha (Kostha):
[see source text or glossary: Koshtha]

52) Snigdha:
[see source text or glossary: Snigdha]

53) Ghataka:
[see source text or glossary: Ghataka]

54) Raktaja:
[see source text or glossary: Raktaja]

55) Ruksha (Ruksa):
[see source text or glossary: Ruksha]

56) Dushya (Dusya):
[see source text or glossary: Dushya]

57) Gutika:
[see source text or glossary: Gutika]

58) Shalya (Salya):
[see source text or glossary: Shalya]

59) Daruna:
[see source text or glossary: Daruna]

60) Vartma (Vatrma):
[see source text or glossary: Vartma]

61) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha refers to the functional principles in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern body functions. Imbalances in these doshas are central to disease manifestation, including dry eye, which involves Vata and Pitta vitiation.

62) Karma (Karman):
[see source text or glossary: Karma]

63) Laghu:
[see source text or glossary: Laghu]

64) Rakta:
[see source text or glossary: Rakta]

65) Kandu (Kamdu):
[see source text or glossary: Kandu]

66) Sita (Shita):
[see source text or glossary: Shita]

67) Virya:
[see source text or glossary: Virya]

68) Akshi (Aksi):
[see source text or glossary: Akshi]

69) Bheda:
Bheda refers to piercing pain, a symptom of dry eye. Ayurvedic treatments address Bheda to provide comprehensive relief from the various discomforts associated with the disease.

70) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]

71) Shutha (Sutha):
[see source text or glossary: Sutha]

72) Guru:
[see source text or glossary: Guru]

73) Hara:
[see source text or glossary: Hara]

74) Agni:
[see source text or glossary: Agni]

75) Seka (Sheka):
[see source text or glossary: Seka]

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 81]

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Kriyakalpa, Nasyakarman, Shushkakshipaka, Ayurvedic system, Environmental factor, Case study, Deepana and Pachana, Case history, Shamanoushadi, Dry eye, Tear film, Schirmer test.

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