A novel approach to the immediate effects of electroacupuncture on dry eye: A case series.

Autor: Wu M; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China., Tang Q; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China., Gao W; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China., Zhu L; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China. Electronic address: zhuluwen1983@126.com.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Explore (New York, N.Y.) [Explore (NY)] 2024 May-Jun; Vol. 20 (3), pp. 430-433. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Oct 24.
DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.10.010
Abstrakt: Introduction: Dry eye disease (DED) is an inflammatory disorder that shares several features with autoimmune diseases. Research suggests that electroacupuncture (EA) is a promising alternative treatment option for this disorder; however, evidence of its immediate efficacy is limited.
Case Presentation: Three patients were diagnosed with DED, and used artificial tears or anti-inflammatory drugs for long-term relief of eye symptoms. However, the cure rates were low, and the side effects were high. To improve ocular symptoms, quality of life, and physical and mental health, the patients sought alternative complementary therapies and received electroacupuncture therapy. All patients showed significant improvements in fatigue and dryness of the ocular surface after 3-4 days of treatment, and follow-up after 4 weeks showed no tendency for recurrence. No adverse reactions or unexpected events were observed during treatment.
Conclusion: We propose an innovative electroacupuncture treatment aimed at fewer acupuncture points, shorter periods, and faster healing that improves the symptoms of patients with DED in the short term. Continuous current stimulation by anatomically positioned needles on both sides of the lacrimal gland and the creation of an electric field may improve the endogenous mechanisms of DED.
(Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
Databáze: MEDLINE