Ayurvedic Management of Savrana Shukra with special reference to Corneal Ulcer

Abstract

Corneal ulcer is a potentially vision-threatening ocular condition characterised by epithelial defect with underlying stromal involvement, commonly resulting from infectious, traumatic, or inflammatory aetiology. In Ayurveda, this condition correlates with Savrana Shukra (Korniya Vrana), arising primarily due to vitiation of Pitta and Vata Dosha, often as a sequela of improperly managed Abhisyanda (conjunctivitis). Case Presentation: A 39-year-old female computer assistant presented to the Shalakya Tantra OPD with a 15-day history of intense right-eye pain, severe lacrimation, foreign body sensation, and photophobia. Slit-lamp examination revealed a superficial-to-mid-stromal paracentral corneal ulcer with positive fluorescein staining. Ayurvedic diagnosis was established as Korniya Vrana with Rakta-Pitta and Vata predominance, secondary to inadequately treated Abhisyanda six months prior. Intervention: The patient was managed on an OPD basis for three months with a combined regimen of internal medicines- Triphala Guggulu and Manjisthadi Kashaya- and local therapies including Nasya with Anu Taila and Aschyotana with Yashtimadhu Ghrita. Dietary modifications and digital hygiene (Pathya-Apathya) were prescribed concurrently. Outcome: Progressive and sustained improvement was observed at fortnightly follow-ups. By the end of three months, the patient achieved complete relief from pain, lacrimation, and foreign body sensation with near-normal visual acuity and minimal residual corneal opacity, confirming near-complete healing of the ulcer. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the efficacy of classical Ayurvedic pharmacotherapy and Kriya Kalpas in the conservative management of corneal ulcer. The Rasayana, Vrana-ropaka, and anti-inflammatory actions of the selected formulations, combined with lifestyle modification, effectively addressed both systemic and local Dosha imbalance.