Abstract:
Amavata is a disease caused by undigested food particles (Ama) due to improper function of Agni
at different levels. This Ama, associating itself with Vata, moves quickly towards different seats
of Kapha in the body lling in them and leading to pain all over the body, joints, loss of taste,
thirst, lack of enthusiasm, heaviness, fever, indigestion and swelling of the body parts (joint).
Amavata can be co-related with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is a chronic inammatory
connective tissue disorder mainly affecting musculoskeletal system producing a wide variety of
extra articular manifestation. RA that affects joints can also cause complictions for eyes, lungs,
skin, heart, blood vessels and other organs. Dry eye or Keratitis Sicca (Shushka Akshipakatya) is a
main complication of RA which causes lack of sufcient lubrication and moisture on the surface
of the eye. Due to vitiation of Vata Dosha in Amavata, it causes lack of production of tears
(moisture contents in eye) which results in dry eye. Inammation from RA causes abnormalities
in the tear glands (lacrimal), signicantly reducing uid secretion. Scleritis (Shirajala) is an
inammation of the sclera (the white outer wall of the eye) which is the second main
complication of RA. It is one of the Shleshmasthana in the body due to association of Kapha.
Vitiated Vata and Kapha Dosha in Amavata patient further leads to vitiation of Pitta Dosha in
Sclera producing Shirajala. Thus it can be concluded that RA is a systemic connective tissue
disorder and it affects any collagen connective tissue like eye at its chronic stage. On the basis of
these facts, an Ayurvedic approach of management can be planned for its prevention and
treatment.
