Dry-eye syndrome and the effect of acupuncture

Background Conjunctivitis sicca is a chronic disease of the ocular surface. The substitution of tear deficiency with artificial tears is not satisfyin g in many patients. In a series of patients successfully treated with acupu ncture we observed very different effects on each patient. In this study we evaluate the correlation between the effect of acupuncture and the etiolog y of the dry eyes treated. Patients and methods 102 patients (87 women, 15 men) with dry-eye syndrome have been needled 10 sessions, once per week, for 30 minutes. We recorded c ausal factors according to the traditional Chinese medine (TCM): external a nd internal factors. External factors were: toxic, allergic, drug induced, ocular surface inflammation and infection, contact lens and generally exter nal irritations. Internal factors were disorders of hormons, immun system, psychic, and vitamin-A deficiency. Ophthalmologic observation included the slit lamp examination, Schirmers lest II, break-up time of tear film (BUT) and a drop-frequency protocoll - before and 1 week after acupuncture treatm ent. Results There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0,001) in Sch irmers test, BUT and drop frequency between before and after acupuncture. T here was no significant difference between internal and external factors, b ut the effect on external induced sicca was better. The best effect of acup uncture was found in external factors after inflammation and in patients wi th inbalance of the autonomic nervous system, the least effects in Sjogren Syndrom. 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.