OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy differences between acupuncture-moxibustion and medication in xerophthalmia.

METHODSEighty cases of xerophthalmia were randomly divided into an acupuncture-moxibustion group and a medication group, 40 cases in each group. In acupuncture-moxibustion group, acupuncture was applied to the local and distal points, such as Jingming (BL 1), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and Quchi (LI 11) etc., combined with non-smoking moxibustion. In medication group, Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops were administered, three times per day, 1 drop each time. Before and after treatment, tear secretion volume (Schirmer's test), break-up time (BUT), symptom score, visual function score and tear film grade were observed.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 73.1% (57/78) in acupuncture-moxibustion group, and was 37.2% (29/78) in medication group, indicating significant statistical difference in comparison (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in statistics in tear secretion volume between two groups after treatment (P < 0.05), in which, the result in acupuncture-moxibustion group was superior to that in medication group. The significant statistical differences presented in tear secretion volume, BUT, symptom score, visual function score and tear film grade in comparison before and after treatment in acupuncture-moxibustion group (all P < 0.05). The significant statistical difference presented in symptom score and tear film grade before and after treatment in medication group (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture-moxibustion apparently relieves the symptoms of xerophthalmia, promotes tear secretion and improves the life quality of patients.