Ayurveda Emergency Management of Chemical Injury to Right Eye: A Case Study

Abstract

Employees working in chemical companies, house wives and youth exposed to chemicals  are frequently injured in acute chemical incidents. Chemical injuries of the eye are ocular emergencies requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent conjunctival and corneal damage leading to loss of vision. Conventional treatment protocols rely heavily on antibiotics, steroids or surgery. Early recognition and quick management alone can prevent potential blindness. A 50-year-old woman, not on any medication; presented with an accidental chemical injury to her eye following accidental chemical exposure while cleaning solar pipes. She complained of pain, redness, epiphora, photophobia, orbital swelling and difficulty in opening the affected eye. Immediate irrigation using tap water and saline water helped reduce burning sensation. Clinical assessment was made using Duas classification of limbal involvement and prognosis was  and recorded as 50 - 75% involvement as Good to guarded. The patient was managed exclusively with Ayurvedic treatment. The cornea, iris and visual apparatus were not involved, hence the prognosis was good. Repeated Seka with Panchavalkala Hima (PVH) and Bidalaka mitigated orbital swelling, mild photophobia and the patient became normal. The patient was given Amalaki Churna orally, which has multiple benefits. Bidalaka and Seka along with oral consumption is a holistic way of treating. The emergency management of this case solely with Ayurveda proves otherwise, showing that when applied early and decisively, classical Ayurveda can act as a fast, safe, and powerful primary line of care.