OBJECTIVETo explore the differences in the clinical therapeutic effects on xerophthalmia of and deficiency between the needling technique (the combined reinforcing technique to induce warm sensation) and the reinforcing needing technique achieved by rotating needle.

METHODSA total of 54 patients of xerophthalmia were randomized into an observation group (28 cases) and a control group (26 cases). In both of the groups, the main acupoints included Cuanzu (BL 2), Sizhukong (TE 23), Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and Fengchi (GB 20); the combined acupoints were Danzhong (CV 17), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3). In the observation group, the needling technique was used and in the control group, the reinforcing needing technique achieved by rotating needle was adopted. The treatment was given once every day. 10 treatments made one course and 2 courses were required. Before and after treatment, the score of eye symptoms, tear secretion and the breakup time of tear film were observed in the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups after treatment and in 4-week follow-up after treatment separately.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the total effective rate was 92.9% (26/28) in the observation group and was 80.8% (21/26) in the control group, without significant difference in comparison (>0.05). In 4-week follow-up after treatment, the total effective rate was 85.7% (24/28) in the observation group and was 61.5% (16/26) in the control group, indicating the significant difference in comparison (<0.05). After treatment, the differences were significant in the score of eye symptoms, tear secretion and the breakup time of tear film as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01). After treatment, the improvements of the score of eye symptoms, tear secretion and the breakup time of tear film in the observation group were better remarkably than those in the control group, indicating the significant differences (all <0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe needling technique achieves the significant therapeutic effects on xerophthalmia of and deficiency and the recurrence rate of the disease is low.