AYURVEDIC THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO A CASE OF UNILATERAL VERNAL KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

Background: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis also known as spring catarrh, is a troublesome form of exogenous allergic conjunctivitis that predominantly affects children and adolescents. From an Ayurvedic perspective, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis may be correlated with Kaphaja Abhishyanda, in which there is vitiation of Kapha and Pitta Doshas. The condition is characterized by severe itching, a gritty or foreign-body sensation, ocular discharge, redness, watering, photophobia, and other discomforts, which may interfere considerably with the child’s daily activities and reduce productive or learning hours. Case: A 12-year-old male child presented with recurrent unilateral Vernal keratoconjunctivitis involving the left eye, despite previous treatment with topical corticosteroids. At presentation, clinical examination revealed photophobia, itching, heaviness and watering of eyes persisting for seven days. Interventions and Outcomes: The patient underwent an Ayurvedic treatment protocol administered including Gandhaka Rasayana, Shigru-Pallava Madhu Aschyotana and Triphala Netra Pariseka over a period of three months. Following fourteen days of treatment, the patient demonstrated significant clinical improvement in the presenting symptoms. At the three-month follow-up, the patient remained free from corticosteroid therapy, and no treatment-related adverse events were documented. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential role of Ayurvedic approach in alleviating the clinical manifestations of Vernal keratoconjunctivitis and reducing dependence on topical corticosteroids.