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Published on: April 12, 2024
Acupuncture for treating dry eye: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
Mi-Suk Shin1, Jong-In Kim, Myeong Soo Lee
1Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
Acta Ophthalmologica
|November 13, 2010
Summary
Acupuncture showed potential for improving dry eye symptoms and signs. Both verum and sham acupuncture provided similar benefits, suggesting non-specific effects may play a role in dry eye management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Integrative Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Dry eye disease is a prevalent condition affecting millions globally.
- Current treatments offer limited relief for many patients.
- Acupuncture is explored as a complementary therapy for ocular surface disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for managing dry eye symptoms.
- To assess acupuncture's impact on tear film stability and secretion.
- To compare verum acupuncture with sham acupuncture in dry eye patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled trial was conducted.
- Forty-two participants with moderate to severe dry eye received acupuncture thrice weekly for 3 weeks.
- Ocular surface disease index (OSDI), visual analogue scale (VAS), tear film break-up time (BUT), and Schirmer I test were used for assessment.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed between verum and sham acupuncture groups for OSDI, VAS, BUT, or Schirmer I tests.
- Within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in OSDI and VAS for both groups.
- The verum acupuncture group showed a significant improvement in BUT after treatment.
Conclusions:
- Both verum and sham acupuncture improved dry eye signs and symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment.
- Verum acupuncture did not demonstrate superior outcomes compared to sham acupuncture.
- Acupuncture may offer non-specific therapeutic effects for dry eye patients.
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