Ayurvedic Management of Acute Anterior Uveitis (Pittaja Adhimantha): A Case Report

Introduction: Uveitis is an inflammatory disorder of the vascular layer of the eyeball and accounts for approximately 10% of blindness. Anterior uveitis denotes inflammation of the iris and/or the anterior part of the ciliary body and is characterized by pain, photophobia, ciliary congestion, blurred vision and keratic precipitates; if not treated promptly it can cause complications such as glaucoma, cataract, cystoid macular oedema and retinal detachment. Case presentation: A 40‑year‑old male presented with bilateral ocular pain, redness, watering, photophobia and blurred vision for 4–5 days, diagnosed as anterior uveitis and correlated with Pittaja Adhimantha according to Ayurveda. He was treated with Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) on day 1 and day 7 along with internal medications: Gokshuradi Guggulu 250 mg – 2 tablets twice daily for 7 days, a ghrita preparation 3 g twice daily for 7 days, Saptamrita Lauha 1 tablet twice daily for 15 days and Triphala Avaleha 1 teaspoon once daily for 15 days. Results: By the third day of treatment, ocular pain, redness, photophobia, watering and blurring of vision had reduced by about 50% compared with baseline, and by the seventh day the patient became completely asymptomatic. Conclusion: The combination of Jalaukavacharana with internal Pitta‑shamana medicines including Gokshuradi Guggulu, ghrita, Saptamrita Lauha and Triphala Avaleha proved effective in this case of acute anterior uveitis (Pittaja Adhimantha), suggesting a useful Ayurvedic alternative or adjunct to steroid‑based management.