Clinical Efficacy of Ayurvedic Management in Digital Eye Strain and Visual Fatigue.: Clinical Efficacy of Ayurvedic Management in Digital Eye Strain and Visual Fatigue.

Abstract

With an increase in digital technology many individuals suffer from physical eye discomfort, visual fatigue, dry eye after screen use for longer than two hours of  a time. The Vision Council refers to this collection of symptoms  as digital eye strain. The Vision Council’s 2014 Digital Eye Strain Report suggests that nearly 70 percent of American adults experiences some form of digital eye strain due to prolonged use of electronic devices including desktop and laptop computers, smart phones, e-readers, television and video games. The study found that adults are most likely to experience digital eye strain in between 6 P.M to 9 P.M .The number of staff subjected to a  significant amounts of on-screen work with digital eye strain and visual fatigue is currently increasing. Improper use of sense organs, violating the moral code of conduct, and the effect of the time are the three basic causative factors behind all the health problems. No remedial measures for the cure of this pathology prevail in the domain of modern medicine except using ocular surface lubricants and computer glasses. In spite of remarkable progress and advances in the field of modern ophthalmology .On critical analysis of the symptoms of  Digital Eye Strain on Tridosha theory of Ayurveda, it seems to be a Vata–Pittaja ocular cum systemic disease.. Jeevantyadi Ghrita (orally),Jeevantyadi Ghrita Netra Tarpana (topically) and counseling regarding proper working conditions on computer were tried in 30 patients, suffering with Digital eye strain. In group I ,where oral and local treatment was given, significant improvement in all the symptoms of  Digital eye strain was observed  whereas in groups II  and III  local treatment and counseling regarding proper working conditions, respectively, were given and showed insignificant results.The study verified the hypothesis that  Digital Eye Strain in Ayurvedic perspective is a Vata-Pittaja disease affecting mainly eyes and body as a whole and needs a systemic intervention rather than topical ocular medication only.