Vatahata vartma, Vartmarbuda Eye Disorders – Definition, Symptoms, Treatment

By Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Vatahatavartma is one among the diseases of eyelids (netra vartma gata roga)

Vata hata = destroyed by vitiated vata, Vartma = eyelids
Vatahatavartma is a condition of eyelids wherein the junction of the eyelids with the white of the eyes are afflicted by vitiated vata making the eyelids being opened, unable to be closed
Read – Utsangini, Vartma Sharkara Eye Disorders – Symptoms, Treatment

Classification

Classification based on the location – Vatahatavartma is a Vartmagata Roga (disease occurring in the eyelids).
Classification based on Predominant Dosha – Vatahata vartma is a Vataja Netra Roga (it is caused by vitiated vata dosha).
Classification based on Sadhya Asadhyata (prognosis) – Vatahatavartma is an asadhya roga (incurable disease).
Classification based on predominant treatment process used in combating the disease – Vatahatavartma is an incurable condition. Therefore no medicines or surgical interventions have been indicated in treating this condition.
Read – Eye Diseases Causes, Pathogenesis, Symptoms, Treatment, Herbs

Vatahata Vartma

Vatahatavartma, definition, meaning, pathogenesis
Vatahatavartma is an eye disorder and occurs in the eyelids. It is named based on the affliction of the eyelids and their junction with the white of the eye by vitiated vata. In this condition, being afflicted by vitiated vata, the junction of the eyelid and white of the eye get loose, detached and becomes devoid of activities (blinking, closing, opening spontaneously). This makes opening of eyes difficult. This condition is either associated with pain or devoid of pain some times. This condition is called vatahatavartma i.e. eyelids damaged by the vitiated vata.
Read – Disorders Affecting Eye Junctions And Eyelids

As the name indicates, vatahatavartma is caused by vitiated vata dosha. It is an incurable condition of the eyelids.

Signs and Symptoms of Vatahatavartma eye disorder

• Vimukta sandhim – laxity and detachment of the eyelids from its joint / junction with white of the eye
• Nischeshtam – eyelids will be devoid of any activity, it keeps open and fixed
• Na meelyate – eyelids cannot close and keep open
• Sarujam – associated with pain in eyelids or
• Nirujam – devoid of pain in the eyelids
  Read – Pothaki, Klishtavartma Eye Disorders – Symptoms, Treatment

Modern correlation
Vatahata vartma can be closely compared with the ‘paralysis of 7^th cranial nerve supplying the orbicularis palpebrum muscle of the eye’.

When these important muscles are paralyzed the muscles lose their normal activities like blinking, opening and closing spontaneously. The eyelids remain open and cannot be closed.
Read – Stye – Causes, Symptoms, Remedies, Treatment

The 7^th cranial nerve is called facial nerve. Paralysis of the 7^th cranial nerve leading to the non-closure of eyelids is one of the symptoms of facial nerve palsy. It is also called as Bell Palsy / Bell’s palsy. It also includes numbness or heaviness of the face, the afflicted side becomes flat and expressionless, and the ability to wrinkle the forehead, blink the eyelids and grimace are lost / limited. In severe cases, palpebral fissure widens and the eyes do not close often irritating the conjunctiva and drying the cornea. Eye symptoms of facial nerve palsy have been highlighted in vatahata vartma. (read more)

Similar symptoms and signs can be seen in below mentioned conditions –

Lagopthalmus – this condition also occurs due to the paralysis of the 7^th cranial nerve. The eye remains open even during sleeping. The eyelids cannot be closed. Since there is inability to close the eyes completely in this condition, it becomes difficult to maintain lubrication and proper eye health. The eye consequentially suffers from abrasions and infections. This condition also leads to corneal drying and ulceration.

Exopthalmic goiter – in this condition the eyelids cannot be closed due to bulging of the eye anteriorly out of the orbit.
Read – Krimigranthi, Jantugranthi Definition, Location, Symptoms, Treatment  

Treatment of Vatahata vartma eye disorder
As already said, Vatahata vartma is an incurable disorder of the eye according to Ayurveda. Therefore no medicinal or surgical measures have been mentioned in the treatment of this eye condition.
Read – Ayurveda Eye Treatment Types, Methods – Ashtanga Hrudaya Sutrasthana 23

Vartma Arbuda

Vartmarbuda Eye Disorder – Definition, Symptoms, Treatment

Vartmarbuda is one of the diseases of the eyelids (netra vartma gata roga). 

Vartma = eyelids, Arbuda = tumours
Vartmarbuda is a condition of the eyelids wherein small outgrowths / tumours are manifested on the eyelids
Read – Eyelash Falling Out (Madarosis) – Ayurvedic Treatment And Therapies

Classifications
Classification based on the location – Vartmarbuda is a Vartmagata Roga (disease occurring in the eyelids).
Classification based on Predominant Dosha – Vartmarbuda is a Sannipataja Netra Roga (it is caused by simultaneous vitiation of all three doshas). Classification based on Sadhya Asadhyata (prognosis) – Vartmarbuda is a Sadhya roga (curable disease).
Classification based on predominant treatment / surgical process used in combating the disease – Vartmarbuda is classified under Chedana Sadhya / Chedya Netra Roga (curable by excision method).
Read – Classification of Eye Diseases As Per Ayurveda

Vartmarbuda, definition, meaning, pathogenesis
Vartmarbuda is an eye disorder and occurs in the eyelids. It is named based on the appearance of tumour like masses on the eyelids. In this condition, an irregular cyst or lump is formed on the interior of the eyelid. It is devoid of pain but appears red due to the association and affliction by pitta and blood. The lump hangs free from edge of the eyelid. This condition is called as vartmarbuda i.e. tumor like mass over the eyelids.

This condition is caused by simultaneous vitiation of all three doshas. It is a curable condition.
Read – Anatomy of Eye: Netra Rachana: Ayurveda Perspective

Symptoms, correlation, treatment – Vartmarbuda

Signs and Symptoms of Vartmarbuda eye disorder

• Vartma antarastham vishama granthi – an irregular shaped lump formed on the interior of the eyelid
• Avedanam – mass is devoid of pain, no pain in the afflicted eyelid
• Saraktam – lump / eyelid appears red in colour
• Avalambitam – lump is elongated and hangs free from the edge of the eyelid
  Read – Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes, Ayurvedic Remedies, Tips

Modern correlation
Vartmarbuda can be closely correlated with tumours of the eyelids. Since it also involved contamination of blood tissue, it can be categorised into angiomas.
Read – Granthi: Cystic Swelling, Types, Features, Ayurvedic Treatment

Modern medicine also tells that ‘tumors of the eyelids’ may be one among the below said –

• benign cysts,
• inflammations (stye) or
• malignant tumors (skin cancers)

Since the vartmarbuda is a curable condition, it can be included and compared to benign cysts. The word granthi has also been mentioned by master Sushruta which means a cyst like mass, in spite of naming the condition as vartmarbuda, arbuda meaning tumour.
Read – Lacrimal Cyst – Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Prognosis, Treatment

Treatment of Vartmarbuda eye disorder

As already said, Vartmarbuda is a Chedana sadhya vyadhi. It is one of the eye diseases which can be cured by excision methods. The lumps are excised using surgical instruments and removed.

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