OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of eye transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (Eye-TEAS) on preventing the progression of pre-myopic to myopia in children aged 6-12 years. METHODS: A total of 170 pre-myopic children aged 6-12 years were randomly divided into an Eye-TEAS group (85 cases, 3 cases dropped out, 2 cases were eliminated) and a placebo Eye-TEAS group (85 cases, 3 cases dropped out, 2 cases were eliminated). The Eye-TEAS group received Eye-TEAS intervention at bilateral Cuanzhu (BL2), Yuyao (EX-HN4), Sizhukong (TE23), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Sibai (ST2), and Jingming (BL1), with continuous wave at a frequency of 4 Hz and a current of 1-2 mA for 30 min per session. The placebo Eye-TEAS group received sham intervention with the same equipment and procedure, but no electrical stimulation. Both groups received intervention once every other day, at least 3 times a week, for a duration of 20 weeks. After intervention and during the 28-week follow-up period after the intervention completion, the changes in axial length (AL), spherical equivalent refraction (SER), and the incidence of myopia were compared between the two groups. Adherence and safety during the intervention period were also evaluated. RESULTS: Compared before intervention, both groups showed an increase in AL after the intervention and during the follow-up (P<0.01). The AL during follow-up was higher than that after the intervention in the two groups (P<0.01). The Eye-TEAS group exhibited a smaller change in AL than the placebo Eye-TEAS group after the intervention and during follow-up (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared before intervention, both groups showed a decrease in SER after the intervention and during follow-up (P<0.01). The SER during follow-up was lower than that after the intervention in the two groups (P<0.01). The Eye-TEAS group had a higher SER than the placebo Eye-TEAS group after the intervention (P<0.05). The Eye-TEAS group exhibited a smaller change in SER than the placebo Eye-TEAS group after the intervention and during follow-up (P<0.01). The incidence of myopia in the Eye-TEAS group was lower than that in the placebo group during follow-up (20.0% [14/70] vs 34.7% [25/72], P<0.05). Both groups had good adherence, with no adverse events related to the intervention. CONCLUSION Eye-TEAS can delay the progression of pre-myopic to myopia in children, and has a high safety profile.
Humans ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Myopia/prevention & control* ; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation ; Treatment Outcome ; Disease Progression