AN AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF KERATOCONUS – A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Keratoconus is a bilateral and asymmetric disease that results in progressive thinning and steeping of the cornea, leading to irregular astigmatism and decreased visual acuity. Integrative medicine has no proper treatment, so an attempt is made with ancient medicine. A case of 17year male patient came to Shalakya OPD at Dr B R K R Govt. Ayurvedic College and Hospital with complaints of blurred vision in both eyes, double vision (Rt>lt) and also itching sensation and giddiness while rotating head for eight months and diagnosed with keratoconus at the previous hospital where he has consulted before. In Ayurveda, there is no direct reference to keratoconus; based on the symptoms, it can be considered Vataja Timira, a Drishtigata netra roga. This can be correlated to the advanced condition of keratoconus, considering Vata dosha involvement. The plan of treatment for this is Vatahara and Brumhana Chikitsa. Firstly, Snehapana followed by Shodhana chikitsa like Virechana, Nasya and Samana chikitsa like Saptamruta lauha, Triphala ghruta orally, Kriyakalpa procedure like Akshitarpana, Putapaka, Pindi and Seka. Treatment has been given for three months, and the subject has reported reduced symptoms and showed signs of improvement in vision. Thus, it can be concluded that with the help of Ayurvedic management, the disease did not progress.