ABSTRACT

Ophthalmia Neonatorum i.e conjunctivitis of newborns may be infectious or non infectious.

Globally infectious conjunctivitis occurs in 12% of neonates and 23% of neonates are affected with this condition in developing countries like India.

The infections are due to lack of hygiene. The biggest risk factor is maternal infection. In absence of prophylaxis it remains a major cause of blindness. It is potentially sight threatening & may cause systemic complications.

To prevent this, Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Triphala Ghrita as one of the kalpas in Kukunaka. So far we have chosen Triphala Ghrita Aaschotana in neonates, who are suffering from Kukunaka

In all eye diseases topical treatment is preferred. It is easy to apply, portable in a pouch, fast absorbing, non toxic & instant relief. The anti inflammatory action of Triphala & guna of ghrita acts faster when used locally than systemic use, as in enteric medication, medicines are first digested & then acts on local lesions. Whereas Aaschotana is a fast acting topical treatment.

For this, 60 patients were randomly selected and divided into two groups, Group A (30 Patients treated with Triphala Ghrita aaschotana) and Group B (30 patients treated with Gentamycin eye drops). Signs and symptoms were observed before study and after 8 days of treatment. The study has proved that Triphala Ghrita is Very helpful in reducing the signs and symptoms of Kukunaka (Opthamia Neonatarum).

Keywords: Ophthalmia Neonatorum, conjunctivitis, Kukunaka, Triphala Ghrita, Aaschotana.