Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Comparing Objective Conjunctival Hyperemia Grading and the Ocular Surface Disease Index Score in Dry Eye Syndrome During COVID-19
Published on: May 25, 2022
[Clinical observation of dry eye syndrome treated with acupuncture]
Dan Zhu1, Cen Gao2, Yuan-Ming Zhong2
1Department of TCM, Affilated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
Objective:
To compare the therapeutic effect between acupuncture and hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops for dry eye syndrome.
Methods:
A total of 60 patients with dry eye were randomized into an acupuncture group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupoints around the eyes, abdomen and limbs were selected, such as Jingming (BL 1), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Fengchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6) and Hegu (LI 4), once 2 days for 1 month, 15 times in total. In the western medication group, hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops was applied, 3 times a day, one drop every time, for 1 month. The tear meniscus height (TMH), tear break-up time (BUT) and conjunctival congestion scores were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical effects of the two groups were compared.
Results:
The total effective rate in the acupuncture group was 68.3% (41/60), which was superior to 30.0% (18/60) in the western medication group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the TMH was increased, BUT was prolonged and conjunctival congestion score was reduced after treatment in the acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the TMH and BUT in the acupuncture group were higher (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the conjunctival congestion score was lower than those in the western medication group (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
The therapeutic effect of acupuncture is superior to hyaluronic acid sodium eye drops. Acupuncture can promote lacrimal gland secretion and increase the tear film stability.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Dry Friction
To illustrate this concept, imagine a wooden crate resting on a rough, non-uniform horizontal surface. When an external force is applied to...
Naturalistic Observations
Drying Shrinkage
A portion of this drying shrinkage can be reversed; if the concrete is...
Actor-Observer Effect

