Management of Pittaj Abhishyanda (Acute Muco-Purulent Conjunctivitis) by ‘Nimb-Lodhra Ashchyotan’ (Topical Instilation)

Abstract

Conjunctivitis is commonly caused by an allergic reaction or an inflammation either caused by bacteria or virus. It is further classified as infective and non-infective types. Acute muco-purulent conjunctivitis that belongs to family of bacterial conjunctivitis is a contagious disease, which if remains untreated lead to corneal ulceration that further cause complications such as permanent opacity ending up in blindness. The conventional line of treatment includes topical antibacterial eye drops instillation along with systemic anti biotic and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, overuse of these antibiotics lead to resistance to the drugs making them in effective. So the need of alternative approaches is a need of the hour. From an Ayurvedic perspective, due to similarity in clinical features, the disease Pittaj Abhishyanda can be safely compared to muco-purulent conjunctivitis. As AcharyaVagbhat has given prime importance to ‘Ashchyotan therapy’  (topical instillation) in all eye diseases, we decided to use and prove efficacy of ‘Nimb-Lodhra Ashchyotan’ (topical instillation) in the management of Pittaj Abhishyanda with respect to acute muco-purulent conjunctivitis. The study proves immense potential for reduction of symptoms such as Netra daha (burning of eyes), Netra lalima (congestion), Kleda (mucopurulent discharge), Netra toda (pain and foreign body sensation in eye) etc.