Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1999 Oct; 215(4): 228-32.

[Effect of acupuncture in keratoconjunctivitis sicca]

Nepp J, Derbolav A, Haslinger-Akramian J, Mudrich C, Schauersberger J, Wedrich A.

Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Wien. johannes.nepp@akh-wien.ac.at

BACKGROUND: Conjunctivitis sicca is a chronic disease of the ocular surface. The substitution of tear deficiency with artificial tears is not satisfying in many patients. In a series of patients successfully treated with acupuncture we observed very different effects on each patient. In this study we evaluate the correlation between the effect of acupuncture and the etiology of the dry eyes treated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 102 patients (87 women, 15 men) with dry-eye syndrome have been needed 10 sessions, once per week, for 30 minutes. We recorded causal factors according to the traditional chinese medicine (TCM): external and internal factors. External factors were: toxic, allergic, drug-induced, ocular surface inflammation and infection, contact lens and generally external irritations. Internal factors were disorders of hormones, immune system, psychic, and vitamin-A deficiency. Ophthalmologic observation included the slit-lamp examination, Schirmers test II, break-up time of tear film (BUT) and a drop-frequency protocol--before and 1 week after acupuncture treatment. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in Schirmers test, BUT and drop frequency between before and after acupuncture. There was no significant difference between internal and external factors, but the effect on external induced sicca was better. The best effect of acupuncture was found in external factors after inflammation and in patients with imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, the least effects in SjÃƒÂ¶gren Syndrome. The effect was better in younger then in patients over 50 years. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrate, according DeLa Fuye that the best effect of acupuncture is seen on functionally disorders.