ATOPIC KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

OVERVIEW

• Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eye. 
• In atopic keratoconjuncitivitis, the conjunctiva of the eyelids gets swollen and red. The lower lid is more commonly affected than upper eyelid.
• Atopy is the reason of its occurrence. It is a genetic condition in which immune system produces more than normal antibodies in response to a given allergen.
• It can occur in any part of the year but it most commonly affects in winter. It is a perennial disease.
• It is more commonly seen in males than females. It appears during adolescence and adulthood.
• If not treated, it can lead to scarring, ulceration, keratoconus, cataract and corneal vascularization.

CAUSES OF ATOPIC KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

• Atopic keratoconjunctivitis is a genetic disease in which immune system of the body gets overactive.
• Due to this atopy occurs. Atopy leads to an excessive production of antibodies in response to an allergen. 
• It causes inflammation of the inner lining of eyelids and surface of the eyes.

RISK FACTORS OF ATOPIC KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

There are several factors which increases a person’s chances of developing the disease. These risk factors:

• Family history of atopic keratoconjunctivitis
• Personal history of atopic dermatitis
• Patient is suffering from asthma
• Personal history of eczema

SYMPTOMS

A person with atopic keratoconjunctivitis develops the following symptoms:

• Increased sensitivity to light
• Burning sensation in eyes
• Itching
• Hardened and discolored eyelids
• Tearing sensation
• Blurred vision
• White discharge from eyes
• Reddish color of eyes

DIAGNOSIS

• A doctor will begin the diagnosis by taking patient’s medical history. He will ask him about the signs and symptoms of the disease.
• He will ask about his family history. 
• He will do physical examination of the patient’s eyes.
• He may also carry out a conjunctival biopsy.

TREATMENT

The treatment of atopic keratoconjunctivitis involves the following:

• Topical antihistamines
• Oral antihistamines
• Mast cell stabilizers

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF ATOPIC KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

• According to Ayurveda, eye is the site of pitta dosha. Atopic conjunctivitis is caused due to imbalance of pitta and kapha dosha. It thus causes redness, watery discharge, itchiness, etc. in eyes.
• It is called Abhishyanda in Ayurveda.

Following are the home remedies for the treatment of atopic keratoconjunctivitis:

1. COLD COMPRESS

• Cold compress provides immediate relief to the patient.
• It reduces swelling and itchiness in eyes.
• Do it 4-5 times in a day.

2. SALINE SOLUTION

• Wash your eyes with saline water is a very good treatment for atopic conjunctivitis.
• Saline water is prepared by mixing salt with water.
• It helps in reducing irritation and inflammation in eyes.

3. ROSE WATER

• Rose water is anti-inflammatory in nature. It has soothing properties. 
• Pour 2-3 drops of rose water in eyes.
• It minimizes inflammation in eyes.

4. ALOE VERA GEL

• Aloe vera is rich in aloin and amodin components. These have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• It heals allergic conjunctivitis due to any foreign substance.
• Apply aloe vera gel around the infected area. It speeds up the healing process against allergy.
• It doesn’t have any bad effect on cornea of the eyes.

5. TURMERIC

• Turmeric is known since times immemorial for healing properties.
• It is a very good anti-inflammatory agent and thus reduces redness in eyes.
• It has antibacterial properties and cures infection in eyes.

6. CHAMOMILE TEA

• Chamomile tea is used as eyewash or as a cold compress.
• It gives relief from itching and swelling.
• It is having anti-microbial properties and thus good for allergic conjunctivitis.

CHANDIGARH AYURVEDA CENTRE’S MEDICATIONS

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurveda Centre’s medications which are used for the treatment of atopic keratoconjunctivitis:

1. TRIPHALA GUGGULU

• Triphala guggulu is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation consisting of the dried fruits of three medicinal plants –Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). 
• Triphala can correct the imbalance of doshas as well as bring them to normalcy along with a specific vision promoting effect. 
• It helps in the conjunctivitis. 
• Triphala is very beneficial for the improvement of eye vision, relieves the headache, eye strain, burning sensation in the eyes etc.

Recommended Dose – 1 tablet twice a day with normal water

2. DETOX PREMIUM POWDER

• The powder contains a combination of natural and pure herbs which is the best remedy for the treatment of all eye problems.
• This mixture contains ingredients such as – Tal sindoor, Gandhak rasayan, Akik pishti, Jahar mohra, Moti pishti. 
• The powder is used for the treatment of eye floaters and eye infections.
• It helps to treat cloudy vision, blurred vision, difficulty in seeing in the dark, fuzzy spots etc.

Recommended Dose –1 sachet twice a day with normal water

 3. AMRIT TULSI RAS

• This herbal preparation is in drops form prepared from five types of Tulsi. Shama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Rama Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum), Kapoor Tulsi (Ocimum canum), Shwet Tulsi (Ocimum basilicum), Nimba Tulsi (Ocimum citriodorum) that provides good result in all allergic reactions. 
• This is effective in Dry eye, eye infection and conjunctivitis.

Recommended Dose – Two to three drops twice a day

 4. ROSHANI EYE DROPS

• Roshani eye drop is pure Ayurvedic formulation used in problems like frequent travel, work on a computer, and lack of sleep. 
• This eye drops contains herbal ingredients like Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shwet Chandan, Rakta chandan, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Haridra( Curcuma longa), Gulab (Rosa damascena), Adrak (Zingiber officinale), Bahera (Terminalia bellirica), Pudina (Mentha spicata), Saindhavan lavan, Phitakari, etc. 
• This eye drop soothes up the eyes, prevents infections and clears off particles in the eyes, improves vision. 
• This eye drop is beneficial in diseases like conjunctivitis, double vision, night blindness, cataract or glaucoma, etc.

Recommended Dose – put one drop in each eye in the morning and at bed time