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[Effect of acupuncture in keratoconjunctivitis sicca]
J Nepp1, A Derbolav, J Haslinger-Akramian
1Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Wien. johannes.nepp@akh-wien.ac.at
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|November 26, 1999
Summary
Acupuncture shows significant improvements for dry eye syndrome, particularly for functionally induced cases. The treatment was most effective for external factors like inflammation and autonomic nervous system imbalances, especially in younger patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Integrative Medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Context:
- Conjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) is a chronic ocular surface disease.
- Artificial tear substitutes offer limited relief for many patients.
- Acupuncture's efficacy in dry eye syndrome varies, prompting investigation into influencing factors.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the correlation between acupuncture treatment outcomes and the specific etiology of dry eye syndrome.
- To identify patient subgroups and causative factors that respond best to acupuncture therapy.
Summary:
- 102 patients with dry eye syndrome received 10 weekly acupuncture sessions.
- Causal factors were categorized using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles into external and internal influences.
- Ophthalmologic assessments, including Schirmer's test II and tear film break-up time (BUT), were conducted before and after treatment.
Impact:
- Acupuncture significantly improved Schirmer's test, BUT, and drop frequency (p < 0.001).
- Treatment was more effective for externally induced dry eye, particularly post-inflammation and autonomic nervous system imbalances.
- Outcomes were better in younger patients (<50 years) and less pronounced in Sjögren Syndrome, suggesting functional disorders respond best.