Prathama Patalagata Timira is one among the Drishtigata netra rogas. This condition is characterized by impairment in vision (Avyakta Darshana), particularly for distant objects. According to Ayurvedic principles, Prathama Patalagata Timira occurs due to the aggravation of Vatadi doshas, which ascend (Urdhwagamana) to the Siras and get localized in the Prathama Patala (first layer of the eye). A condition described in Ayurvedic texts is equivalent to simple myopia (nearsightedness)

Epidemiology and Conventional Treatment

Myopia has become a significant global public health concern, with increasing prevalence rates worldwide. In India, the prevalence of myopia in urban children aged 5-15 years has risen from 4.44% in 1999 to 21.15% in 2019. Due to the generational effect, there will be an overall increase in myopia prevalence across all age groups of 10.53% in the next three decades (2020 to 2050). According to sight saving review (1979) myopia is the 4th major cause of visual loss after cataract, glaucoma and senile macular degeneration.

Conventional treatments such as glasses, contact lenses, and surgery provides only symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying cause or preventing progression. Spectacles and contact lenses require lifelong dependence and may cause complications like:
Dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, infections and corneal hypoxia.

Refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK, though effective, are associated with adverse effects like: Dry eye, glare, halos, night-vision disturbances, regression of refractive error, corneal ectasia, and rare permanent visual impairment, and are expensive without guaranteeing a permanent cure.

Ayurveda acharyas explain many Kriyakalpas which are useful in ocular conditions. One among the kriyakalpas is Anjana, a traditional Ayurvedic procedure, involves applying medicinal pastes or powders to the inner side of the lower eyelids. This treatment has been mentioned in various Ayurvedic texts, including the Bruhat Trayees and Sharangadhara Samhita.

Usheeradi anjana explained in Ashtanga hrudaya is indicated in all types of Timira and Shadangi varti anjana, which has been mentioned in Gada nigraha is specifically indicated in Timira. These formulations may offer a safe, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to conventional treatments.

Considering all these facts, this work “A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF SHADANGI VARTI ANJANA AND USHEERADI ANJANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PRATHAMA PATALAGATA TIMIRA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SIMPLE MYOPIA" has been taken up.