Clinical application of acupuncture in ophthalmology

Acupuncture of 50 persons suffering from myopia, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa (degeneratio retinae pigmentosa), optic nerve atrophy, aged 5 to 71 was carried out. One to three courses were conducted, each consisting of 10-15 seances. All the patients were treated with acupuncture at these bilateral points: Extra 2, BL 2, GB 14, 4, TH 17, St 1. In cases of optic nerve atrophy, the authors also needled points T 15 and BL 60. By indirect electroacupuncture (by Chinese apparatus WQ 10), points BL 2 and St 1 were also stimulated. In all the patients, a subjective improvement of visual acuity was observed. In children with myopia, relative accommodation was enlarged. In patients with retinitis pigmentosa, an enlargement of the borders of the visual field, investigated by perimetry and isopter perimetry was observed, as well as light difference sensitivity established by static perimetry. Electrooculograms showed a reduction of the basic values and of Arden's ratio. 3 of the patients with glaucoma had a decrease in pressure of the eye, measured by Maklakow's tonometer.