DOI: 10.4103/jras.jras_159_24 ISSN: 2456-5601
Ayurvedic management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (Kaphaja Abhishyanda): A case report
Nisha Vachhani, Rajshree Unadkat Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) (
Kaphaja Abhishyanda
), also known as spring catarrh, is a challenging ocular disorder predominantly affecting children and adolescents. It presents with symptoms such as intense itching, grittiness, discharge, redness, lacrimation, and photophobia, which can severely disrupt daily activities, including academic performance. Conventional treatment options like mast cell stabilizers, topical nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids offer symptomatic relief but are often associated with significant side effects, limiting their long-term use. This case study is presented to highlight an alternative approach through Ayurvedic management, aiming to offer an alternative treatment option. This case study utilized classical Ayurvedic interventions tailored to disease presentation, demonstrating encouraging clinical outcomes.
A 9-year-old male child visited the Outpatient Department of the Shalakya Tantra department with severe photophobia, itching, lacrimation, and foreign body sensation in the right eye for 3 months. Based on the clinical manifestation and ocular examination with a slit-lamp biomicroscope, the condition was diagnosed as VKC.
THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION:
The treatment adopted for the case included
Deepana-Pachana
(improving digestive fire),
Shamana Chikitsa
(palliative treatment),
Sthanika Chikitsa
(local treatment), and
Rasayana Chikitsa
(rejuvenating and immunomodulatory treatment). The treatment included
Balachaturbhadra Churna
(3 g twice daily for 15 days),
Haridrakhanda
(3 g daily for 75 days),
Laghu Manjishtadi Kashaya
(10 mL twice daily for 45 days),
Triphala Churna
and
Shigru Patra Churna Kashaya
(150 mL irrigation twice daily for 15 days), and
Triyushnadi Anjana
(50 mg with honey once daily for 30 days).
RESULTS:
After completion of the treatment, complete recovery was observed for complaints such as severe photophobia, itching, lacrimation, and foreign body sensation.
CONCLUSION:
The findings suggest that Ayurvedic management can be a viable, safe, and effective alternative for treating VKC, providing substantial symptom improvement and better patient outcomes.