Acupuncture for the treatment of dry eye: a multicenter randomised controlled trial with active comparison intervention (artificial teardrops).

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of acupuncture compared to a control group using artificial tears.

Methods

Setting & design

multicenter randomised controlled trial (three local research hospitals of South Korea).

Study population

150 patients with moderate to severe dry eye.

Intervention

Participants were randomly allocated into four weeks of acupuncture treatment (bilateral BL2, GB14, TE 23, Ex1, ST1, GB20, LI4, LI11 and single GV23) or to the artificial tears group (sodium carboxymethylcellulose).

Main outcome measure(s)

The ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TFBUT), Schirmer Ι test, visual analogue scale (VAS) for self-assessment of ocular discomfort, general assessment (by both acupuncture practitioners and particip

SUBMITTER: Kim TH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3355143 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature