Ayurvedic Management of Acute Anterior Uveitis (Pittaja Adhimantha): A Case Study

Abstract

Uveitis is a broad term used to describe the inflammatory pathology of vascular layer of eyeball. It is composed of a diverse group of disease entities, which in total has been estimated to cause approximately 10% of blindness. Based on the anatomical involvement of eye, uveitis is broadly classified into anterior, intermediate, posterior and Panuveitis. Anterior uveitis denotes intraocular inflammation that involves the iris (iritis), anterior part of the Ciliary body (anterior cyclitis), or both (iridocyclitis). The signs and symptoms presented in anterior uveitis can be compared with Pittaja Adhimantha (Anterior uveitis) in Ayurveda. SUN (Standard Uveitis Nomenclature) working group has described the disease acute, chronic and recurrent on the basis of its course. Anterior uveitis is the commonest form with comparably less sight threatening uveitis. It can lead to serious complications such as cataract, glaucoma, and cystoids macular edema if not diagnosed and treated promptly. A 21-year-old male patient residing in Hassan came to Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara college of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan complaining of redness, pain, watering and photophobia in Right eye for one day. The case was assessed and diagnosed with SUN working group criteria. The case was managed effectively with amapachana (Morbid factor digestion), Virechana (purgation), Pancha lauha shalaka agnikarma (Ayurvedic cautery) over eyebrows, Seka (Medicated washing of eye), avagundana (Mild medicated hot fomentation), oral intake of triphala guggulu and Bhoonimbadi kwath. Patient got significant relieve from sign and symptom on the day 3 rd of treatment and cured by 7 th day of treatment. The management of anterior uveitis opt the use of steroids, antibiotics, cycloplegic and NSAIDs for long term in modern medicine. The above-mentioned disease can be managed with Amapachana (digestion of morbid factors of the body), virechana (Medicated purgation), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vedanashamaka (Analgesic), Sravahara, sthanika chikitsa (Local measures) and Pittahara chikitsa (Pitta morbid factor pacifying treatment) of Ayurveda. 50 % of acute anterior uveitis is idiopathic in nature, so the condition can be managed effectively adopting Ayurveda Netra Roga chikitsa. An acute anterior uveitis is very painful and photophobia condition which is managed effectively by Ayurveda. Ayurveda can be ray of hope in the management of uveitis which is very pathetic to conventional system of medicine.