Introduction
The allergic eye is a condition in which the eye is so irritated and has a feeling of having something in it. Eye allergy usually occurs along with other allergic responses like sneezing, rhinitis, etc., or as an independent one. The allergic eye is often called allergic conjunctivitis.
- Signs and symptoms of Allergy eye
- Causes of Allergy eye
- Pathophysiology of Allergy eye
- Diagnosis of Allergy eye
- Treatments of Allergy eye
- Prognosis of Allergy eye
- Complications of Allergy eye
- Allergy eye in Ayurveda as Abhishyanda
- Nidana- Causes of Abhishyanda
- Purvaroopam (Premonitory Symptoms) of Abhishyanda
- Lakshana of Abhishyanda
- Prognosis of Abhishyanda
- Chikitsa (Treatment) of Abhishyanda
- Commonly used medicines for Abhishyanda
- Diet desirable to protect the health of the eye
- Yoga
- Research articles link.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms include itching, redness, and burning sensation of the eye. There will be clear, watery discharge. Rarely pain is also seen. There will be difficulty in looking at the light.
Causes
Allergic response in the eye is often triggered by foreign bodies like dust particles, pollen grains from grass, weeds, or trees. Pet dander, dust mites, etc. can also cause allergy. Some perfumes, petrochemical exhaust are also irritants to eys.
Pathophysiology
When an allergen comes in contact with the antibodies associated with mast cells in the eyes, they respond to them by releasing chemicals called histamines. These substances cause the tiny blood vessels to leak and the eyes become red, itching with clear watery secretions. Foreign body sensations become severe.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of eye allergy are seen in some other pathological conditions of the eye like viral conjunctivitis. So accurate diagnosis becomes very essential. The examination includes,
- Examination through a microscope shows swollen blood vessels.
- History of previous allergic episodes and analysis of symptoms is necessary.
- Blood tests like specific IgE can be done.
Treatments
Primary treatment modality includes the measures to stay away from allergens like closing windows during high pollen periods, air conditioning in home and car, wearing glass outdoors and during traveling. Washing hands handling pests.
Topical application in the eye includes,
- Artificial tears
- Decongestant eyedrops
- Antihistamine eye drops
- In severe conditions NSAIDs are also used.
Oral medicines include
- Anti-histamines
- Immunotherapy.
Prognosis
Mind symptoms can be cured by treatment. Severe or prolonged allergic reactions can sometimes impair vision.
Complications
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, contact allergic conjunctivitis are some serious types of allergic eye disease and which when not managed properly lead to scarring of the cornea, or impair vision.
Disease and Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, allergic conjunctivitis can be correlated with Abhishyanda described Acharyas in Sarvakshi yoga.
Nidana- Causes
No specific nidana is said for Abhishyanda roga but general netra roga nidana can be considered which includes,
- Nayanabhigata (trauma to eyes)- can be due to allergens
- Dhoomanishevanath (Excessive exposure to smoke)
Samprapthi Maturation
Vitiated Doshas due to the use of nidanas (causes) move upward direction towards the eyes, invades through various channels, and lead to malfunctioning of various substructures of the eye like conjunctiva.
Lakshana Signs and Symptoms
- Vataja abhishyanda:-Pricking pain, rigidity, foreign body sensation in eyes, roughness, dryness and cold tears.
- Pittaja abhishyanda:-Heat and burning sensation of eyes, suppuration, fuming, excessive lacrimation, warm tears, liking of cold.
- Kaphaja abhishyanda:-Heaviness, swelling, itching in eyes, excessive suppuration, whiteness, excessive coldness, frequent lacrimation, liking of warmth.
- Raktaja abhishyanda:-coppery tears, redness in eyes, red streaks, all symptoms seen in pittaja abhishyanda
Prognosis
If Abhishyanda is not treated it leads to a severe condition called Adimandha.
Chikitsa- Treatment
Samana
- Application of the paste of drugs in the eyelids
- Aschyotana or installation of medicine to eyes
- Internal administration of medicines also done if necessary.
Sodhana- Nasya (nasal installation)
Commonly used medicines
- Chandanadi varti- ground with honey and water and used as eye drops
- Thriphala choorna – decoction boiled with this is cooled and used for washing eyes.
- Ophthacare eye drops (Himalaya)
- Sunetra eye drops
- Itone eye drops
- Netramritam eye drops (Aryavaidya sala Kottakkal)
Home Remedies
Avoid day sleep, suppression of natural urges, grief, sleeplessness , over strain, etc.
Breast milk as eye drops
Coldwater can be for washing eyes.
Diet
Food like barley, wheat, red rice, green gram, leafy vegetables is good.
Vitamin A rich food
Adequate drinking of water
Rock salt, grapes, triphala, pomegranate, etc. are good.
Yoga
Eye exercises
Pranayam and meditation can also be practiced.
Research articles link.
Click to access IJAAR_VOLUME_III__ISSUE_X_SEP_%E2%80%93OCT_2018______1471_1476.pdf
http://www.aiirjournal.com/uploads/Articles/2018/01/2753_34.Vd.%20Sawant%20Shailaja%20Pandurang.pdf
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