The efficacy of Ruta graveolens 6cH in the treatment of computer vision syndrome

M. Tech.The homoeopathic remedy, Ruta graveolens, is used for the treatment of eyestrain and eye related symptoms caused by the over use of the eyes (Kent, 2006). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic remedy Ruta graveolens 6cH in the treatment of Computer Vision Syndrome. This study can be compared to related studies by means of the symptom index form (Appendix C). This double-blind study included thirty participants between the ages of 20 and 35. The participants had to be regular users of a visual display terminal for a minimum of three hours per day. The participants also had to experience at least two or more eye or vision related symptoms due to VDT use for at least one month prior to the start of the study. During the first consultation, each participant was tested for any refractive errors by a qualified optometrist. The participants were divided into two groups of fifteen each. One group received the remedy, Ruta graveolens 6cH, while the other group received the placebo. The participants were required to take four pillules twice a day for the duration of the study. The data was statistically analysed by means of the Mann-Whitney u Test, Friedman Analysis of Variance by Ranks Test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Crosstabs were used to check for confounding variables. The two groups, the placebo and the treatment group were tested against each other. The findings from the data illustrated that in the treatment group there was a statistically significant improvement in the severity of symptoms in seven of the fourteen symptoms over the duration of the study, while five of the fourteen symptoms of the placebo group had a statistically significant improvement in severity over the four week period. Overall the severity of the treatment group had an improvement of 42% compared to the 28% improvement of the placebo group. Both groups showed a reduction of the frequency of symptoms over the duration of the study