Scientific study: Dry eye syndrome can be remedied with acupuncture

Acupuncture is more effective at treating dry eye syndrome (DES) than artificial tears (AT) – a lubricant eye drop typically prescribed to remedy irritation associated with deficient tear production. Authors of the study reviewed a previous meta-analysis on the topic and updated it to reduce existing heterogeneity. The results of their new analysis were published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• Nineteen studies from 10 databases were included in this meta-analysis, subsequently covering more than 1,000 patients.
• The studies were divided into two subsets: treatment through acupuncture only or acupuncture plus AT.
• Subgroup analysis also included the frequency of the intervention (either less than three times a week or more than three times a week); period of treatment (less than a month or more than a month); and the acupoints used.
• It was observed that acupuncture combined with AT had the strongest therapeutic effect on DES.
• Patients likewise recovered faster if they continued the acupuncture plus AT treatment for more than a month; however, with a frequency of less than three times a week.

It was concluded that acupuncture is an ideal and safe option in remedying DES. Patients who frequently suffer from the condition should consider seeing their local traditional healer.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

Do you know that before metal needles, bamboo slivers or sharpened bones were used to stimulate the acupuncture points? You can learn more about this popular Chinese healing practice at ChineseMedicine.news.

Journal Reference:

Kim BH, Kim MH, Kang SH, Nam HJ. OPTIMIZING ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR DRY EYE SYNDROME: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018;18.(145). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2202-0