Panuveitis – Ayurvedic Perspective & Management

 

Panuveitis – Ayurvedic Perspective & Management

Introduction

Panuveitis is a severe form of uveitis that affects all layers of the uveal tract, including the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or idiopathic factors. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss, glaucoma, or retinal detachment.

In Ayurveda, Panuveitis can be correlated with Sarvagata Netra Roga caused by Tridosha vitiation, mainly Pitta and Vata doshas.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Autoimmune Disorders – Sarcoidosis, Behçet’s disease, Lupus
• Infectious Causes – Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, Viral infections
• Idiopathic – No known cause in some cases

Symptoms

• Eye pain & redness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Floaters in vision
• Reduced visual acuity

Ayurvedic Management

1. Nidana Parivarjana (Avoiding Causative Factors)

• Avoid excess heat and strain on the eyes.
• Manage systemic inflammation with a balanced diet.
• Avoid spicy, sour, and fermented foods that aggravate Pitta.

2. Ahara (Dietary Recommendations)

• Cooling & Anti-inflammatory Foods – Amla, cucumber, coconut water
• Ghee & Oils – Cow ghee, medicated ghrita like Triphala ghrita
• Herbs with Rasayana Properties – Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, and Guduchi

3. Chikitsa (Ayurvedic Therapies)

• Tarpana Karma – Retention of medicated ghee (Triphala ghrita, Jeevantyadi ghrita) in the eyes
• Anjana (Collyrium Therapy) – Rasanjana application for clearing vision
• Nasya Therapy – Use of medicated nasal drops like Anu taila to strengthen eye tissues
• Shirodhara & Shirobasti – Helps in reducing inflammation and balancing Vata & Pitta doshas

4. Herbal Remedies

• Triphala Kashaya – Used for internal consumption and eye wash
• Haridra (Turmeric) – Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce eye inflammation
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – Strengthens immunity and reduces inflammation
• Yashtimadhu (Licorice) – Helps soothe the eyes and prevent damage

5. Modern & Ayurvedic Integration

In severe cases, modern treatments like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may be needed. Ayurveda supports long-term eye health through herbal and Panchakarma therapies.

Ayurvedic Herbal Formulations for Panuveitis

Panuveitis is a severe ocular inflammatory condition requiring systemic and local treatments. Ayurveda focuses on reducing inflammation, balancing Pitta and Vata doshas, and rejuvenating ocular tissues. Here are some effective herbal formulations:

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1. Internal Medications (Oral Use)

A. Kashaya (Decoctions)

1. Triphala Kashaya

   • Ingredients:
     • Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – 1 part
     • Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) – 1 part
     • Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) – 1 part
   • Preparation:
     • Boil 1 tablespoon of Triphala powder in 200ml of water until it reduces to 50ml.
     • Dosage: 50ml twice daily before meals.
     • Benefits: Acts as a detoxifier, reduces oxidative stress, and strengthens eye tissues.

2. Guduchi-Haridra Kashaya

   • Ingredients:
     • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – 2 parts
     • Haridra (Curcuma longa) – 1 part
   • Dosage: 50ml twice daily.
   • Benefits: Reduces inflammation, modulates immunity, and improves eye function.

B. Churna (Powders)

1. Yashtimadhu Churna (Licorice Powder)

   • Dosage: 1 tsp with warm milk twice daily.
   • Benefits: Soothes eye tissues, prevents degeneration, and strengthens vision.

2. Saptamrita Lauha

   • Ingredients:
     • Triphala churna
     • Loha bhasma
   • Dosage: 250mg twice daily with honey or ghee.
   • Benefits: Improves circulation to the retina and reduces inflammation.

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2. External Applications (Local Use)

A. Netra Tarpana (Ghee Therapy)

• Triphala Ghrita or Jeevantyadi Ghrita is retained over the eyes for 15–20 minutes.
• Benefits: Reduces dryness, nourishes eye structures, and promotes healing.

B. Anjana (Herbal Collyrium)

1. Rasanjana (Berberis aristata extract)

   • Applied as collyrium (kajal) once daily at night.
   • Benefits: Clears inflammation and enhances vision.

2. Elaneer Kuzhambu

   • Medicated eye drops made from herbal extracts.
   • Dosage: 1–2 drops in each eye twice daily.
   • Benefits: Reduces burning sensation and improves vision clarity.

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3. Panchakarma Therapies

1. Nasya (Nasal Therapy) – Anu Taila or Shadbindu Taila to clear toxins.
2. Shirodhara – Continuous oil pouring (Brahmi oil or Ksheerabala taila) over the forehead.
3. Virechana (Purgation Therapy) – Using Avipattikar Churna to eliminate excess Pitta.

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4. Dietary Recommendations

• Include: Amla, ghee, fresh green leafy vegetables, and cooling foods.
• Avoid: Spicy, fermented, and deep-fried foods that aggravate Pitta.