DRY EYE SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: AYURVEDIC AND MODERN VIEW

Abstract

Dry eye syndrome (DES) also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Diabetes is more prone to dry eye disease and tear film dysfunctions. DM is a disease which affects both the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. DM patients more prone to Cataract, Glaucoma, Dry eye, Superficial Punctuated keratitis, recurrent corneal erosion syndrome, Persistent epithelial defects & also cause microvascular complications like Neuropathy, Retinopathy. Dry eye is the disorders of the tear film due to tear deficiency or excessive evaporation which causes damage to the interpalpebral ocular surface and it is associated with symptoms of ocular discomfort. In diabetes due to poor control of DM damage to any component of lacrimal function unit leads to DES, Diabetic patients have classical symptoms of dry eye including irritation, foreign body sensation, redness, itching, burning sensation etc. In modern sciences it is treated with artificial tears drops. Frequent use of drops again leads to dryness hence alternative treatment is necessary. Ayurvedic classical text Acharya Sushruta describes Shukshkakshipaka under Sarvagata Netra Roga can be correlated with Dry eye. According to Acharya Sushruta it is Vatta vitiated disease, Acharya Vagbhata has quoted it as Vatta-pitta vitiated disease and Sharangadhara considered as Vataraktaja Vitiated disease. By analyzing different opinion of acharaya may cause dry eye by decreasing tear secretion. In Ayurveda many more treatment modalities are available for treating Shukshkakshipaka such as Snehapana, Netra Tarapana, Putapaka, Nasya, Anjana etc. This study enlightens the ayurvedic and modern review on dye eye syndrome in diabetes patient.