Abstract
Objective
To explore a proper acupuncture treatment protocol for dry eye syndrome (DES), by comparing the therapeutic effects between ordinary acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA).
Methods
Forty-seven eligible subjects with DES were randomized into an acupuncture group (n=23) and an EA group (n=24). With the same acupoint formula, the acupuncture group was treated with ordinary acupuncture, and the EA group was treated with ordinary acupuncture plus electrical stimulation. After a treatment course, eye symptom score, Schirmer I test (SIT), Break-up Time (BUT) of tear film, Corneal Fluorescein Staining (CFS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were adopted in evaluation and comparison of the two groups.
Results
The total effective rate was 79.2% in the EA group versus 56.5% in the acupuncture group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups had marked improvements in eye symptom score, SIT, BUT, CFS, and VAS values (P<0.001); the EA group was better than acupuncture group in improving eye symptom score and SIT value (both P<0.05); the differences were insignificant in comparing VAS, BUT and CFS results between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion
Both EA and ordinary acupuncture are effective in treating DES, but EA is better than ordinary acupuncture in improving eye symptom and SIT score.
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Author: Guo Meng-hu, M.M.
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Guo, Mh., Cui, Ec., Li, Xy. et al. Diverse needling methods for dry eye syndrome: A randomized controlled study. J. Acupunct. Tuina. Sci. 11, 84–88 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11726-013-0662-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11726-013-0662-9