Ayurvedic management of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis- A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis(VKC) is a recurring allergic eye condition that primarily affects young, males, with symptoms like extreme itching, grittiness, discharge, redness, lacrimation, and photophobia that gets worse in hot climates. Topical lubricants, mucolytics, mast cell stabilisers, NSAIDs, and topical steroids, which give symptomatic relief and may produce steroid-induced side effects, limiting their long-term use and alleviation, can be used to control this. In ayurveda, it is comparable to Kaphaja Abhishyanda, Siramokshana, Pariseka , Kavalagraha, Aschyotana and Apatrpana and can be efficiently given under this condition.

Clinical findings: A male patient of age 19 with extreme itchiness, redness, prickling discomfort, heaviness of lids, ropy discharge and burning feeling as well as oedema . Patient was treated for VKC with topical corticosteroids, which provided only temporary relief, still patient has experienced recurring episodes on and off. On slit lamp examination presence of bilateral Gelatinous, dusky red triangular congestion in limbal and bulbar conjunctiva, and papillaes in the upper tarsal conjunctiva of both eyes. Intervention: The patient was treated with Siramokshana, Pariseka , Kavalagraha, Aschyotana and Apatrpana along with internal medication like Haridrakhnadam , Arogyavardhini vati and Kushmanda avaleham .There was a reduction in symptoms like burning sensation, itchiness, prickling discomfort, redness, heaviness of lids, ropy discharge and photophobia along with significant improvement in the vision with no recurrence

 Conclusion: This case revealed that ayurvedic management of VKC can be treated effectively with good quality of life along with visual improvement.