Abstract

A SINGLE ARM OPEN LABELLED STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF PRATIMARSA NASYA WITH KSIRABALA TAILA 101 IN DIGITAL EYE STRAIN AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Dr. Reshma Mohan, Dr. Delvin T. Robin and Dr. Vandana Rani M.*

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: The digital revolution has transformed communication and information access, leading to an increased reliance on digital devices and a concomitant rise in cases of Digital Eye Strain (DES), also referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). DES is characterized by ocular discomfort and visual fatigue. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Pratimarśa Nasya with Kṣīrabalā Taila 101 in alleviating symptoms of DES among college students. A single-arm, open-label, pre- and post-clinical trial was conducted with ethical clearance. Participants (N=30, age 18-25) underwent a 30-day intervention involving daily nasal instillation of Kṣīrabalā Taila. Symptom severity was assessed using a validated Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) before and following the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, employing the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to determine significance. Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers aged 18-25 with reported DES symptoms were screened using the CVS-Q. Participants performed Pratimarśa Nasya with Kṣīrabalā Taila 101 daily over 30 days alongside routine activities. Outcome assessments were conducted on the 31st day using the CVS-Q, with data analyzed through the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The application of Pratimarśa Nasya with Kṣīrabalā Taila 101 resulted in a statistically significant reduction in scores in two specific domains of the CVS-Q. Participants also reported a notable decrease in the severity of individual DES symptoms, with overall CVS-Q scores reflecting significant statistical improvement post-intervention. Conclusion: The implementation of Pratimarśa Nasya with Kṣīrabalā Taila 101, as part of dinacaryā practice, demonstrated effectiveness in reducing digital eye strain among college students. However, further research with a larger sample size and extended duration is warranted to establish more robust and generalizable conclusions.

Keywords: Digital Eye Strain, Computer Vision Syndrome, Visual fatigue, Eye health Pratimar?a nasya, K??rabal? taila 101, ?yurveda.