Acupuncture reduces symptoms of dry eye syndrome: a preliminary observational study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on dry eye syndrome.


METHODS
This was a prospective observational study.


METHODS
The study was conducted at a clinical evaluation center for acupuncture and moxibustion of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine, Republic of Korea.


METHODS
The subjects were patients with dry eye disease (N = 36), defined by Schirmer test scores of <10 mm/5 min and tear film break-up times (BUTs) of <10 seconds.


METHODS
Participants were treated with acupuncture three times per week for 4 weeks. MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS: Schirmer test scores, BUTs, symptom scores, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores and dry eye symptom questionnaires were compared before and after treatment to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment.


RESULTS
After treatment, symptom scores, OSDI scores and the number of dry eye symptoms were all significantly lower (p < 0.0001). Although tear wettings were significantly higher (left: p < 0.0001, right: p = 0.0012), there were no significant differences in BUTs.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that acupuncture treatment can effectively relieve the symptoms of dry eye and increase watery secretion.
Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Meridian Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.
Ju-Hyun
JH
Jeon
Mi-Suk
MS
Shin
Myeong Soo
MS
Lee
So-Young
SY
Jeong
Kyung Won
KW
Kang
Young-Il
YI
Kim
Sun-Mi
SM
Choi
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000328:Adult; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult