EFFICACY OF MRILLEPA PATTIKA (MUD PACK) ON  CHAKSHU SWASTHYA W.S.R TO DIGITAL EYE STRAIN – AN OPEN  LABELLED SINGLE ARM CLINICAL TRIAL

Introduction:

Mrittika (Mud) is one element of nature having enormous impact on healthy life and therapeutic effect in various diseases. The chemical composition of Mrittika (Mud) varies from place to place and the process of soil formation can be understood on the basis of its color and Guna. Mrittika(Mud) has high water retaining capacity and its consistency can be changed easily by adding water. Properties of water present in particular type of Mrittika is described in the texts. Acharya Charaka has mentioned that properties of water depend upon the type of soil on which  it falls.

Majority of modern day life style disorders are strain related disorders and psychosomatic in origin .Spending too much time in one posture and continuous exposure to screen of electronic devices could be seriously damaging to human health. For the manifestation of diseases. Acharya Charaka has enumerated three causative factors: Atiyoga, Ayoga and Mithya Yoga of Indriyartha, Karma (Kayika, Vachika, Manashika) and Kala.   Here excessive or improper use of any self-illuminated devices like computer and mobile phones will lead to Atiyoga or/and Mithya Yoga of Chakshu Indriya which results in ocular and extra ocular complaints. 

Significance

In this high technological era, the computer, laptop, mobile phones have become essential parts of life and due to this high screen time has increased. According to the American Vision Council, 80% of adults use digital devices for at least 2 hours daily and more than 65% of adults use atleast 2 devices simultaneously.Globally near 60 million people are suffering from Digital Eye Strain and approximately a million new cases occur every year.In India, the computer using population is more than 40 million and 80% of them have discomfort due to Computer Vision Syndrome. The percentage of persons suffering from eye discomfort among video display terminals(VDT) workers is quite alarming in some states, its nearly 50%.The yearly costs may approach $2 billion for diagnosing and treating these issues.Whereas with regards to Digital eye strain the treatments which have been sorted for are like Anjana,Ashchyotana, Tarpana, Seka,Trataka, Cold compress.

As prevalence of digital eye strain is increasing day by day it is the need of time to find out appropriate measure for the same. Mud therapy or Mrittika chikitsa is appropriate and effective measure which is easily available and cost effective as well. Mrittika in the form of Mrillepa Pattika (mud pack) on the eye is a simple yet efficient and treatment modality as compared to other procedures.

 Aim and Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy of Mrillepa Pattika on eye in improving  Chakshu Swasthya w.s.r Digital  Eye Strain and also to assess the quality of life.

Materials and Methods:

30 patients having symptoms of Digital eye strain will be enrolled.Fine mud powder will be taken and a paste will be made with tap water. Muslin cloth having 12x6 inch length and width will be sterilized by boiling it in water.The paste will be spreaded  on the cloth. Mrillepa pattika (mud pack) having thickness of 1/2cm will be placed on both the eyes till cold mud starts feeling hot (approx 10 mins).Then pack will be removed and the area will be washed with lukewarm water.After treatment pack will be removed  and a clean medicated cotton swab will be taken .It will be soaked in lukewarm water and eyes will be cleaned in direction from inner canthus to outer canthus 3 times.After that let it dry on its own and then eyes will be washed by lukewarm water.

Results and Discussion:

Data generated during the above study will be present in a systemic manner as shall be analyzed statically. Where the important points of the Conceptual study, Analytical study, Pharmacological study will be discussed.

Follow up:

After completion of therapy, follow up will be done for 4 weeks to assess the status of patient, where patient will be asked to report.

Adverse effects:

This drug have no known unwanted effects. Adverse Drug Reaction if any observed will be reported to the Pharmacovigilance cell of I.T.R.A., Jamnagar.