OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of subcutaneous embedding of thumb-tack needle combined with mytear and simple mytear on tear film in patients with dry eye.

METHODSEighty patients of dry eye (160 eyes) were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. The 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drop (alice) was applied in the control group, four times per day for two weeks. On the basis of the control group, the subcutaneous embedding of thumb-tack needle was used at ① Cuanzhu (BL 2), Sizhukong (SJ 23), Sibai (ST 2), ② Yintang (EX-HN 3), Yuyao (EX-HN 4), Taiyang (EX-HN 5). The two groups of acupoints were used alternately. The thumb-tack needle was placed for 2 to 3 days, once a week for two weeks. The subjective symptom score, Schirmer Ⅰ test (SⅠT), tear break-up time (BUT) and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) were compared before treatment, after treatment and during 2-week follow-up visit in the two groups. The effects of the two groups were compared.

RESULTSCompared before treatment, the subjective symptom score and CFS were reduced but SⅠT and BUT were increased after treatment and during follow-up visit in the two groups (all <0.05), which in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (all <0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (36/40) in the observation group, which was superior to 85.0% (34/40) in the control group (<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe subcutaneous embedding of thumb-tack needle could increase the amount of SIT, prolong BUT and repair pathological damage of cornea, which could relieve the symptoms of dry eye and improve visual quality.