Abstract

SHUSHKAKSHIPAKA MANAGEMENT PURVIEW – A SINGLE CASE STUDY

*Hridya R. and R. S. Unadkat

ABSTRACT

"Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiologic roles." The precorneal tear film is a thin layer, about 2–5.5 μm thick, which overlays the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. It functions to lubricate and protect the corneal and eyelid interface from environmental and immunological factors as well as provide an optical medium. When compromised (quantitatively or qualitatively) lead to [1]Shushkakshipaka (dry eye syndrome) with various ocular discomfort symptoms and ultimately the patient may land in corneal blindness. Shushkakshipaka (Sarvagatharoga) mentioned in Ayurveda resembles with dry eye syndrome in which Vata-Pitta/Rakta vitiation is present and is having symptoms like Gharsha (foreign body sensation), Toda, Bheda (pricking and piercing pain), Ruksha, Darunavartma (Dryness of lids), Krichronmeelana Nimeelanam (difficulty in opening and closing eyes), Vishuskatwam (dryness in eyes), Seetecha (desire for cold) and Paka (Ulceration). Materials and Methods: This case report discusses management of Shushkakshipaka with [2]Anutaila Marsha Nasya, Tarpana with [3]Mahatriphala Ghrita, Putapaka along with local application of Mahatriphala Ghrita over B/L eyelids, Mahatriphala Ghrita Aschotana (2⁰- 2⁰), internal administration of 10ml Mahatriphala Ghrita at night and Rasayana Choornam 3gm +[4]Saptamrutha Loha 2gm twice daily after food with unequal proportion of honey and ghee. Result -Patient showed marked improvement in assessment criteria and BT and AT TBUT and Schirmer’s test. Discussion: Shushkakshipaka (Sarvagatharoga) mentioned in Ayurveda resembles with dry eye syndrome in which Vata-Pitta/Rakta vitiation is present and is having symptoms like Gharsha (foreign body sensation), Toda, Bheda (pricking and piercing pain), Ruksha, Darunavartma (Dryness of lids), Krichronmeelana Nimeelanam (difficulty in opening and closing eyes),Vishuskatwam (dryness in eyes), Seetecha (desire for cold) and Paka (Ulceration). [5]Management of Shushkakshipaka includes Snehapana, Tarpana, Anutaila Nasya. The same line of management has been adopted here too. Anutaila Marsha Nasya, Tarpana with Mahatriphala Ghrita, Putapaka along with local application of Mahatriphala Ghrita over B/L eyelids, Mahatriphala Ghrita Aschotana (2⁰- 2⁰,) internal administration of Mahatriphala Ghrita and Rasayana Choornam along with Saptamrutha Loha were given in this patient. After the treatment, the patient had significant relief in the signs and symptoms.

Keywords: Shushkakshipaka, Dry Eye Syndrome, Anutaila, Marsha Nasya, Tarpana, Mahatriphala Ghrita, Putapaka, Rasayana Choornam, Saptamrutha Loha.