Therapeutic Efficacy Of Vatahara Chikitsa In Ptosis (Vatahata Vartma): A Case-Based Evaluation

Abstract

Ptosis is drooping of the upper lid to a level that covers more than 2 mm of the superior cornea, sometimes known as "lazy eye". Ptosis is generally unilateral in over 70% of individuals. This may be due to a hypoplasia or dystrophy or paralysis of the levator palpebrae superioris. It may be congenital or acquired. Depending upon the cause acquired ptosis can be neurogenic, myogenic, aponeurotic or mechanical. Ptosis may be the presenting sign or symptom of a serious neurologic disease. Regardless of the etiology, when ptosis obstructs vision, it is disabling. This condition can be either uniocular or binocular. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to complications. Surgical intervention is the only line of treatment mentioned for ptosis in contemporary science. The appropriate management requires recognition of the underlying cause. Depending upon the sign and symptoms, Ptosis can be compared with Vatahata Vartma, is a painful or painless condition of Vartma where in the Vartma-Shuklagata Sandhi is afflicted by vitiated Vata dosha leading to Vimukta Sandhi (functional deterioration of the Vartmashuklagata Sandhi in which palpebral fissure remains open), Nischeshta (lids loose the power of mobility, i.e., lid lag), Nimilayati (inability to close the eyelids). A 55‑year‑old diabetic and hypertensive female patient presenting with sign and symptoms of Ptosis (bilateral) since past 05 years, also taken Injection botox 08 times in the past, was treated with a combination of Ayurvedic oral medication and external therapies for a duration of 08 days like Nasya, Shirodhara, Shiropichu, Padabhyanga and Shiroabhyanga. After completion of the treatment, significant improvement was recorded.