OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy between penetrating needling of three eye acupoints combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops alone for the treatment of dry eye. METHODS: A total of 156 patients (312 eyes) with dry eye were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group, with 78 patients (156 eyes) in each group. The control group was treated with sodium hyaluronate eye drops, one drop per eye, four times daily, for 4 weeks. In addition to the sodium hyaluronate treatment, the observation group received penetrating needling of three eye acupoints. Acupoints included bilateral Cuanzhu (BL2), Sizhukong (TE23), Sibai (ST2), and Jingming (BL1). Needling was performed once daily, four times a week, for 4 weeks. The subjective ocular symptom scores, neuropathic pain symptom inventory-eye (NPSI-Eye) scores, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores, corneal fluorescein staining (FL) scores, tear break-up time (BUT), SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), central tear meniscus height (TMH), and tear levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were evaluated before and after treatment in the two groups. Clinical efficacy was also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, both groups showed significant improvements in subjective ocular symptom scores, NPSI-Eye scores, OSDI scores, FL scores, and reductions in tear IL-6 and TNF-α levels (P<0.01). Additionally, BUT, SⅠT, and TMH were increased significantly in both groups (P<0.01). After treatment, the subjective ocular symptom scores, NPSI-Eye score, OSDI score, FL score, and tear levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), while BUT, SⅠT, and TMH were significantly improved compared to the control group (P<0.01). The markedly effective rate and total effective rate in the observation group were 83.3% (65/78) and 100.0% (78/78), respectively, which were higher than 52.6% (41/78, P<0.01) and 92.3% (72/78, P<0.05) in the control group. CONCLUSION The penetrating needling of three eye acupoints combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops can effectively alleviate symptoms of dry eye, reduce inflammatory response, and has superior efficacy to sodium hyaluronate eye drops alone.
Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Dry Eye Syndromes/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Ophthalmic Solutions/administration & dosage* ; Adult ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Young Adult ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of acupuncture, Chinese medication and combination of acupuncture and medication in the treatment of dry eye complicated with computer vision syndrome (CVS). METHODS: A total of 152 patients with dry eye complicated with CVS were randomly divided into an acupuncture-medication group (38 cases, 1 case was removed), an acupuncture group (38 cases, 1 case dropped off), a Chinese medication group (38 cases, 1 case was removed), and a western medication group (38 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the western medication group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop combined with esculin and digitalis glycosides eye drop were used. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Taiyang (EX-HN 5)， Cuanzhu (BL 2), Fengchi (GB 20), Qimen (LR 14) , and Hegu (LI 4) etc., once a day. In the Chinese medication group, Yiqi Congming decoction formula ganule was given orally, one dose a day. In the acupuncture-medication group, acupuncture combined with Yiqi Congming decoction formula granule were used. All groups were treated for 14 d. The non-invasive first tear film break-up time (NIBUT f), non-invasive average tear film break-up time (NIBUT av), tear meniscus height (TMH), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, and CVS symptom score were compared between the patients of each group before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the NIBUT f, NIBUT av, and TMH were increased compared with those before treatment in the patients of the 4 groups (P<0.01); the NIBUT f and NIBUT av in the acupuncture-medication group and the acupuncture group were higher than those in the Chinese medication group and the western medication group (P<0.05), and the TMH in the acupuncture-medication group and the Chinese medication group were higher than those in the acupuncture group and the western medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, the OSDI scores, the various scores and total scores of CVS (except for head symptom score in the western medication group) were decreased compared with those before treatment in the patients of the 4 groups (P<0.01). The OSDI score, total score, eye symptom score, and body symptom score of CVS in the acupuncture-medication group were lower than those in the acupuncture group, the Chinese medication group, and the western medication group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the head symptom score of the acupuncture-medication group was lower than that in the western medication group (P<0.05), and the CVS physical symptom scores and mental cognitive symptom scores of the acupuncture-medication group and the acupuncture group were lower than those in the Chinese medication group and the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture has advantages in improving NIBUT f, NIBUT av, and CVS physical symptoms and cognitive symptoms, and the Chinese medication has advantage in improving TMH. The combination of acupuncture and Chinese medication has better effects compared with monotherapy.
Humans ; Dry Eye Syndromes/etiology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Computers ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Points ; Ophthalmic Solutions

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture and sodium hyaluronate eye drop in the treatment of aqueous deficiency dry eye. METHODS: A total of 60 patients (120 eyes) with aqueous deficiency dry eye were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out). In the control group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop were used, one drop at a time, 4 times a day, for 14 consecutive days. In the observation group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Shangjingming (Extra), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Sizhukong (TE 23), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), and Tongziliao (GB 1) , once a day, treatment for 6 days with the interval of 1 day was required, for 14 consecutive days. The tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer Ⅰ test (SⅠT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), and corneal fluorescein sodium staining (FLS) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the safety of the treatment of the two groups was observed. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, after treatment, TMH, SⅠT and NIBUT were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and FLS scores were decreased (P<0.01) in the two groups; the score of OSDI was reduced (P<0.01) in the observation group. After treatment, in the observation group, TMH and SⅠT were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01), and the score of OSDI was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). No adverse reactions and adverse events were observed in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture and sodium hyaluronate eye drop can both effectively treat aqueous deficiency dry eye, acupuncture has obvious advantages in improving TMH and basic tear secretion, and reducing the subjective symptoms of patients. Acupuncture for dry eye is safe.
Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy* ; Eye ; Tears ; Ophthalmic Solutions ; Fluorescein

The academic thoughts of professor GAO Wei-bin regarding the use of electroacupuncture in the treatment of dry eye are introduced. Professor GAO believes that the occurrence of dry eye is mainly related to the stagnation of qi and blood in the eye meridians, leading to inadequate nourishment of the eyes. The acupuncture treatment principle focuses on promoting blood circulation, clearing and benefiting the eye orifices. By integrating traditional acupuncture theory with modern neuroanatomy, the treatment approach centers on stimulating the lacrimal gland, emphasizing the importance of promoting, addressing symptoms as a priority, and considering both the root cause and symptoms.The precise acupoint selection is emphasized. Acupoints of periocular region, such as Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and Leixian point are selected along with Fengchi (GB 20) and Gongxue point to treat dry eye. Attention is also given to the use of electroacupuncture and the selection of its frequencies, emphasizing specific needling techniques based on the severity and classification of the disease.
Humans ; Electroacupuncture ; Meridians ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Acupuncture Points ; Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy*

OBJECTIVE: On the basis of sodium hyaluronate eye drops, to observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on dry eye and explore the effect mechanism of ocular surface protection. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with dry eye were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. The control group was treated with routine cleaning of eyelid margin, hot compress of eyes with warm towel, and external application of sodium hyaluronate eye drops for 5 weeks. On the basis of the treatment as the control group, the observation group was treated with acupuncture at Jingming (BL 1), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Chengqi (ST 1), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc., once a day, 6 times a week for 5 weeks (30 times totally). Before and after treatment, SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), breaking up time (BUT), corneal fluorescent (FL) score, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in tears were evaluated and the therapeutic effect was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, SⅠT and BUT after treatment in the observation group were prolonged (P<0.05), the scores of FL and OSDI and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in tears were decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, SⅠT and BUT in the observation group were longer than the control group (P<0.05), and the scores of FL and OSDI and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in tears in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 87.5% (35/40), which was higher than 45.0% (18/40) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION On the basis of sodium hyaluronate eye drops, acupuncture could improve the clinical symptoms of dry eye, promote the secretion of tears, prolong the tear film breaking up time, and reduce corneal damage, and effect mechanism may be related to the reduction of inflammatory response.
Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Interleukin-6 ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy* ; Ophthalmic Solutions

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effect of Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears and artificial tears alone for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney. METHODS: A total of 70 patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney were randomized into an acupuncture combined with medication group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a medication group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the medication group, 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drop was applied, 3 times a day, 1 drop each time. On the basis of the treatment as the medication group, Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Shenting (GV 24), Shenmen (HT 7), Benshen (GB 13), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), Guangming (GB 37), Fengchi (GB 20), Tongziliao (GB 1), Yuyao (EX-HN 4) in the acupuncture combined with medication group, Tongziliao (GB 1) and Yuyao (EX-HN 4) were connect with electroacupuncture, the needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, 6 times a week. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the clinical symptom score, SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (FL) score and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the clinical symptom scores, corneal FL and HAMA scores were decreased (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT were increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the clinical symptom score, FL and HAMA scores in the acupuncture combined with medication group were lower than the medication group (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT in the acupuncture combined with medication group were higher than the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture combined with medication group was 90.9% (30/33), which was higher than 71.9% (23/32) in the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears could promote the secretion of tears for patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney, repair corneal defect and prolong tear film break-up time, and alleviate anxiety state, its curative effect is better than simple artificial tears.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy* ; Humans ; Kidney ; Liver ; Treatment Outcome ; Yin Deficiency/therapy*

Dry eye is a common ophthalmic disease caused by eye maladjustment due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is often accompanied by symptoms such as increased tear film osmotic pressure and ocular surface inflammation. In the treatment of dry eye patients, dredging gland obstruction caused by meibomian gland secretion is an effective treatment method. Based on electrothermal effect and hyperelasticity of the silicone, an auxiliary treatment instrument for MGD is designed, which can improve the blood circulation of the glands through heat compress and massage to achieve the purpose of dredging the meibomian glands. The therapy device can display the temperature and pressure during the treatment in real time, so that the surgeon can grasp the progress of the treatment in real time. The therapy device constructs a user-oriented interactive interface based on parametric modeling method, which can be customized by 3D printing according to the user's eyeball geometric parameters. The designed therapeutic device was finally tested on New Zealand white rabbits. The experimental results show that the therapeutic device has significant effectiveness and safety, as well as clinical application prospects.
Animals ; Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy* ; Humans ; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction ; Meibomian Glands ; Rabbits ; Tears ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of needle-knife at cervical spine area as adjunctive therapy on dry eye syndrome. METHODS: A total of 84 patients with dry eye syndrome were randomized into 3 groups, named group A, group B and group C, 28 cases in each one (1 case dropped off in the group A, 2 cases dropped off in both group B and C). In the group A, needle-knife was applied at the margo inferior of external occipital protuberance, the range of 4 cm bilateral to external occipital protuberance, the spinous process of C, the range of 3 cm bilateral to 2 cm above C spinous process, the range of 2 cm bilateral to C, C, C spinous process for once a week; acupuncture was applied at Jingming (BL 1), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3), Yanglao (SI 6), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), etc. for once a day, 6 times a week; sodium hyaluronate eye drop was given one drop once, 5-6 times a day. Treatment of acupuncture and sodium hyaluronate eye drop was given in the group B, sodium hyaluronate eye drop was given in the group C, the acupoints selection and the manipulation of acupuncture, the dosage of sodium hyaluronate eye drop were the same as the group A. One week was as one course and 3 courses were required in the 3 groups. SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), break-up time (BUT), scores of corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) and eye symptom before and after treatment were observed, the clinical effect was evaluated in the 3 groups. RESULTS: SⅠT was increased, BUT was prolonged, scores of CFS and eye symptom were reduced after treatment in the group A and group B (<0.01); scores of CFS and eye symptom were reduced after treatment in the group C (<0.01). The variations of SⅠT, BUT and the scores of CFS and eye symptom in the group A were greater than those in the group B and the group C (<0.01); the variations of above indexes in the group B were greater than those in the group C (<0.05, <0.01). The total effective rate was 94.4% (51/54) in the group A, which was superior to 78.8% (41/52) in the group B and 48.1% (25/52) in the group C (<0.01), and the total effective rate in the group B was superior to the group C (<0.01). CONCLUSION Needle-knife at cervical spine area as adjunctive therapy can relieve the clinical symptoms and improve the function of lacrimal gland in patients with dry eye syndrome.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Dry Eye Syndromes ; therapy ; Humans ; Needles

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of eyelid margin cleaning using Deep Cleaning Device for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction-associated dry eye. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, investigator-masked, and self-controlled study. We randomly assigned one eye of patients with meibomian gland dysfunction-associated dry eye to the treatment group, and the other eye to the control group. Both groups received artificial tears and lid warming; the treatment group received an additional one-time in-office eyelid margin cleaning using Deep Cleaning Device. Non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) and tear meniscus height (TMH) of each eye, and Standard Patient Evaluation for Eye Dryness II (SPEED II) score of each patient were evaluated before and at one week after treatment. RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 15 patients were enrolled. No adverse effects occurred during the treatment. Compared with the baseline values, the SPEED score decreased significantly at one week after treatment (mean±95% confidence interval, 11.00±0.99 vs. 5.67±1.67, P<0.0001), the NITBUT-first in the treatment group increased significantly at one week after treatment ((4.74±1.27) s vs. (7.49±2.22) s, P=0.01). The NITBUT-first was significantly longer in the treatment group ((7.49±2.22) s) than in the control group ((5.17±0.91) s) at one week after treatment (P=0.042). No significant differences were found in other tear film parameters between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Eyelid margin cleaning using the novel Deep Cleaning Device is a convenient, effective, and safe treatment for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction-associated dry eye.
Adult ; Aged ; Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy* ; Eyelids/physiopathology* ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced ; Male ; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction/therapy* ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Tears

Professor - is the representative inheritor of fire needling therapy. He proposed that the clinical application of fire needling is mainly based on pattern differentiation according to eight priciples, as well as in coordination with the theories of meridians and - organs. He believes that dry eye syndrome can be treated from the aspects of deficiency of liver and kidney, heart deficiency, and and deficiency. Through deeply digging the connotation of ancient classics, and combined his clinical practice using fire needling, professor created a unique therapy that select "Neichengqi"as the main acupoint combined with Xialeidian, Dagukong (EX-UE 5), Xiaogukong (EX-UE 6) and Shaoze (SI 1) in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. In this paper, from the etiology and pathogenesis of dry eye syndrome and therapeutic characteristics of fire needling, the thoughts of syndrome differentiation and characteristics of acupoints selection of professor were analyzed by a typical case, and it is expect to enrich the clinical treatment plan for dry eye syndrome.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Dry Eye Syndromes ; therapy ; Humans ; Meridians ; Vascular Surgical Procedures