Chinese researchers have found that acupuncture can result in objectively measurable improvements of tear film quantity in patients with certain types of dry eye. A total of 108 dry eye patients were randomised to receive treatment with either acupuncture or artificial tears. Each group was divided into three subgroups based on subtype of dry eye; lipid tear deficiency (LTD), Sjögren syndrome dry eye (SSDE) and non-Sjögren syndrome dry eye (Non-SSDE). The acupoints used included Jingming BL-1, Zanzhu BL-2, Yangbai GB-14, Sizhukong SJ-23, Taiyang M-HN-9, Sibai ST-2, Hegu L.I.-4, Taichong LIV-3, Guangming GB-37, Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Fengchi GB-20. After four-weeks of treatment, compared with both baseline measurements and control groups, tear meniscus parameters (quantitative measurements of tear film quantity) were found to have increased significantly in the acupuncture group for the LTD and Non-SSDE subgroups, but not for the SSDE subgroup.
Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography for monitoring the lower tear meniscus in dry eye after acupuncture treatment. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:492150. Epub 2015 Feb 18.
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