E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Viral Conjunctivitis

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 8 August
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

An Ayurvedic insight in the management of Viral Conjunctivitis - A Case Report

V Archana1*, Rathi S2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.8.52

1* V Archana, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of PG Studies in Shalakya Tantra, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

2 Rathi S, Professor, Department of PG Studies in Shalakya Tantra, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Conjunctivitis is a common and highly contagious condition of eye, posing a significant global burden due to its high potential for outbreaks, prevalence, and associated economic and societal costs. 80% of the conjunctivitis cases have viral origin and usually have longer course, commonly occurs as epidemics in families, offices, etc. Hence, there is a need to intervene at the exact stage to prevent its further progress. Also, in conventional system of medicine, topical eye drops and symptomatic management is the current treatment modality. So, there is a need for Ayurvedic intervention in the scenario. In this case report, an effort has been initiated to get an insight in the management of Viral conjunctivitis. A 60-year-old male patient presented with watering of both eyes, associated with photophobia and itching. On Ocular examination, the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva were congested in both eyes. The treatment protocol was adopted as per Ayurvedic principles mentioned in Raktaja Abhishyanda (~viral conjunctivitis). Bidalaka (~application of medicated paste over eyelids) with Mukkadi Churna was done along with Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya internally and Triphala eye wash was advised. Patient got cured completely without reporting any adverse events within a week. No recurrence was observed even after one month of halted treatment. Altogether, Ayurvedic treatment led to a speedy and complete recovery in this case of Viral conjunctivitis.

Keywords: Bidalaka, Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya, Mukkadi Churna, Raktaja Abhishyanda, Viral conjunctivitis

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
V Archana, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of PG Studies in Shalakya Tantra, Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		V Archana, Rathi S, An Ayurvedic insight in the management of Viral Conjunctivitis - A Case Report. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(8):311-315.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4578/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-06-10 2025-06-27 2025-07-07 2025-07-17 2025-07-27
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None Nil Not required 11.52

© 2025 by V Archana, Rathi S and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(8)311
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V Archana et al. An Ayurvedic insight in the management of Viral Conjunctivitis

Introduction

Viral conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye or eye flu is a significant public health concern in India. Viral conjunctivitis, is usually benign and self-limiting, but may have a longer course than acute bacterial conjunctivitis, lasting for approximately 2-4 weeks.[1] Viral conjunctivitis commonly occurs as epidemic in families, offices, etc., and transmission occurs through contact with infected upper respiratory droplets, fomites and contaminated swimming pools.[2]

In Viral conjunctivitis, patient presents with watery discharge and prominent conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid edema, pseudomembranes, etc.[3,4] In Ayurveda, almost a similar condition- Raktaja Abhishyanda (~viral conjunctivitis) has been mentioned. It’s one of the 17 Sarvagata Netra Roga (~eye disease involving the entire eyeball) wherein Lohitanetrata (redness of eyes), Rajyah samantat (congested vessels),[5] Bashpa Samuchchraya (~watering of eyes)[6] are the Lakshanas (~signs and symptoms) exhibited in this case. Hence, Bidalaka (~application of medicated paste over eyelids) with Mukkadi Churna, Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya internally and Triphala eyewash were advised.

Case Report

A 60-year-old male patient with OPD No. 6XX/1XX consulted Shalakya Tantra OPD of Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru on 03/01/2025 with complaints of redness, watering of both eyes associated with discomfort from bright lights and itching in the last two days. The patient suddenly noticed watering of both eyes which later got associated with redness, itching and felt discomfort from bright lights in both eyes. The ocular examination was done as per Table 1 and on examination, conjunctiva was congested in both eyes. There was no history of conjunctivitis in the family or workplace.

Clinical Findings

Diagnostic Assessment

  • Conjunctiva was congested in both eyes - Palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva (Figure 1)
  • Nature of discharge - watery
  • Photophobia and itching were present

  • Lohita Netrata (redness of eyes), Rajyah Samantat (congested vessels), Bashpa Samuchraya (~watering of eyes) were present. Hence the case was diagnosed as Raktaja Abhishyanda (~viral conjunctivitis).

Table 1: Ocular examination

StructuresRight EyeLeft Eye
Head postureNormalNormal
Eye ballNormal in size and positionNormal in size and position
Eye lidNo ptosis or lag ophthalmosNo ptosis or lag ophthalmos
Eye lashesNo trichiasis, distichiasis or madarosisNo trichiasis, distichiasis or madarosis
Nasolacrimal ductNo regurgitation or swellingNo regurgitation or swelling
ConjunctivaCongested
ScleraNormalNormal
CorneaNormalNormal
Anterior chamberNormal depth, quietNormal depth, quiet
IrisNormal in colour and patternNormal in colour and pattern
PupilRRR, 3mmRRR, 3mm
LensSIMC presentSIMC present
UAVA
Distant vision6/96/9P
Near visionN10N12

jaims_4578_01.JPG
Figure 1: Conjunctival congestion in both eyes – Before treatment

Timeline of Treatment

The treatment was adopted for 12 days based on the clinical presentation as per Table 2.

jaims_4578_02.JPG
Figure 2: Bidalaka with Mukkadi Churna


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V Archana et al. An Ayurvedic insight in the management of Viral Conjunctivitis

Table 2: Timeline of Treatment

DayPresentationTreatment adopted
1-7Conjunctival congestion
Watery discharge
Photophobia
Itching		Bidalaka (~application of medicated paste over eyelids) with Mukkadi Churna for 45minutes- once daily (Figure 2)
Eye wash with Triphala Kashaya – twice daily Internally,
Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya: 20ml, twice daily, After food
8-12NilEye wash with Triphala Kashaya - twice daily Internally,
Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya: 20ml, twice daily, After food

Results

The signs and symptoms like conjunctival congestion, watering of eyes, photophobia, itching subsided by seven days (Figure 3).

Eye wash with Triphala Kashaya and Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya internally was continued for another five days to ensure complete expulsion of morbid Doshas (~humours).

No adverse reaction and recurrence were found during the treatment period and follow up period of one month.

jaims_4578_03.JPG
Figure 3: After treatment

Follow-up and Outcomes

Follow up of the patient was done till one month. There was no recurrence reported.

Discussion

Viral conjunctivitis commonly occurs as epidemic in families, offices, etc. Adenovirus is the most common cause of viral conjunctivitis.

There are 47 adenovirus serotypes based on genomic descriptions and one among them based on presentation is epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

In epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, patients present with ocular itching, foreign body sensation, tearing, redness and photophobia.[7]

In Sarvagata Netra Roga chapter, Raktaja Abhishyanda (~viral conjunctivitis) has been explained which is similar to the symptoms explained in Viral conjunctivitis like Lohita Netrata (~redness of eyes), Rajyah Samantat (~congested vessels), Bashpa Samuchraya (~watering of eyes).

In the Chikitsa of Abhishyanda (~conjunctivitis), it has been mentioned that Bidalaka (~application of medicated paste over eyelids) is beneficial in Abhishyanda (~conjunctivitis) with Daha (~ burning sensation), Upadeha (~stickiness of eyes), Raga (~redness), Ashru (~watering of eyes), Shopha (~swelling).[8]

Bidalaka

Bidalaka (~ application of medicated paste over eyelids) is a treatment modality which is mentioned in the Taruna Avastha (~early stages) of Netra Roga (~eye disorders).[9]

In Abhishyanda Chikitsa(~conjunctivitis treatment) too, when there is Daha (~burning sensation), Upadeha (~stickiness of eyes), Raga (~redness), Ashru Sruti (~watering of eyes), Sopha (~swelling), Bidalaka ( ~application of medicated paste over eyelids) is advised.

Stratum corneum layer is the principal barrier for penetration in the epidermis of skin. Barrier nature of this layer depends on its constituents i.e.; 75-80% proteins, 5-15% lipids and 5-10% ondansetron material. As this layer is thinnest on eyelids, this will augment the absorption rate during Bidalaka (~application of medicated paste over eyelids). The continuous blood supply keeps dermal concentration of permeate very low and the resulting concentration difference across the epidermis provides the essential driving force for transdermal permeation.[10]

Mukkadi Churna[11]

The ingredients of Mukkadi Churna- Triphala, Gairika, Rakta Chandana, Haridra, Daruharidra, Lodhra, Sariva, Vata Ankura, Durva, Usheera, Nimba are almost Pitta- Rakta Hara(~pacify Pitta and Rakta). And all of the ingredients almost are Tikta in Rasa (bitter in taste), hence acting as Rakta Prasadaka (~purify blood).


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Eye wash:

Eyewash with Triphala Kashaya helps remove the Dushta Srava (discharge). Triphala: Haritaki, Vibhitaki and Amalaki are all anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature.[12]

Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya:

Mahamanjishtadi Kashaya is indicated in Medodosha and Netra Roga.[13] The ingredients in the formulation are also Tikta (bitter) in taste. Hence, it proves useful in Kapha Pitta predominant state of this case.[14]

Conclusion

The Ayurveda treatment protocol is a good choice for Viral conjunctivitis. In this case study, the condition was reversed without any recurrence in the near future.

References

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