Acupuncture for adolescents with mild-to-moderate myopia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Myopia is a global public health concern with increasing incidence.
• Acupuncture for myopia is common in China but debated internationally.
• This study assesses acupuncture's safety and efficacy for myopia in adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety of acupuncture in treating myopia.
• To determine the efficacy of acupuncture for myopia over a six-month period.
• To provide clinical data on myopia management using acupuncture.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, controlled trial involving 100 teenagers (7-12 years) with mild-to-moderate myopia.
• Participants were assigned to either an acupuncture group or a control group.
• Acupuncture was administered daily for nine days, followed by a one-day break, over 60 days, with outcomes assessed over six months.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: diopter determination.
• Secondary outcomes: visual acuity, axial length, lens thickness, ciliary body thickness, and subjective symptoms.
• Evaluations conducted at one, three, and six months post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• The study will offer clinical insights into the effects of acupuncture on adolescent myopia.
• It aims to contribute data on the safety profile of acupuncture for myopia treatment.