Ayurveda management of Savrana Shukla (superficial punctate keratitis): a case study

Savrana Shukla is one of the Krishnagata Rogas (corneal pathologies) mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. The Lakshanas of Savrana Shukla can be correlated with the clinical features of superficial punctate keratitis. Superficial punctate corneal keratitis is characterized by multiple, spotty lesions in the outermost layer of the cornea. A 30-year-old male approached the Shalakya Tantra outpatient department with complaints of foreign body sensation, mild pricking pain, redness, and watering of the left eye for 4 days. On history taking and slit lamp examination, it was revealed that the patient had superficial punctate keratitis due to trichiasis. Seka (pouring medicine on the closed eyes) and Vidalaka (application of medicated paste on the outer part of the eyes) were given as treatment for 5 days and epilation was done considering the cause (trichiasis). The subject had significant improvement for both subjective and objective parameters. The clinical features in this subject correspond to Prathama Patala Savrana Shukla Lakshanas (epithelium and Bowman’s membrane involvement) and are Sadhya (curable) according to Acharya Vagbhata. This case report highlights the efficacy of Kriyakalpa treatments in managing Savrana Shukla.