Treatment for Dry Eyes with Acupuncture: Effective or Not?
In the United States, nearly everyone has experienced the discomfort of dry eye disease (DED), a condition that affects the production and function of tears [1]. This common ailment can impair vision and cause symptoms such as scratchy eyes, blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light [2].
While traditional treatments for DED include topical medications, eye drops, and, in some cases, surgery [2], researchers have found that acupuncture can provide relief for up to six months [3]. This alternative treatment option involves the insertion of very small needles into the skin's surface at different locations [4].
Acupuncture sessions typically last between 20-60 minutes [4]. Although it can have mild side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and pain at the point of insertion [5], some patients notice improvements as early as after the first or second treatment [3].
However, relief from dry eye symptoms is often temporary without ongoing or regular treatments, which may be necessary for sustained symptom management and long-term benefit [1][3]. Patients often experience softer eyelids and reduced burning sensations within two to four acupuncture sessions, but a full treatment plan spanning several weeks is common to achieve more durable improvement [3].
It's important to note that DED has no permanent cure, and the duration of symptom relief after acupuncture varies between individuals [1][3]. Factors such as the severity of dry eye and whether underlying systemic conditions are addressed can influence how long relief lasts.
Acupuncture carries some risks, including bruising, bleeding, infection, and internal damage from unsterilized needles or broken needles [6]. Therefore, it's crucial that acupuncturists adhere to regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring they use nontoxic, single-use, sterile needles [7].
For those seeking alternatives to acupuncture, other treatments for dry eyes include surgery, prescription eye drops (like cyclosporine and lifitegrast), moisturizing gels, artificial tear solutions, changing medication, and preventive measures like using a warm compress, drinking water, using a humidifier, avoiding smoke and wind, limiting screen use, getting enough sleep, and consuming enough vitamin A [2].
In summary, while acupuncture offers relief for dry eye disease symptoms, it's essential to understand that regular treatments may be necessary for sustained symptom management and long-term benefit. As always, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for individual needs.
Sources: [1] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/dry-eye-disease-prevalence [2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eye-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20373022 [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2886870/ [4] https://www.acupuncture.com/what-is-acupuncture/ [5] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1001/acupuncture [6] https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/products-and-medical-procedures/acupuncture [7] https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/products-and-medical-procedures/acupuncture/acupuncture-needles
- Acupuncture, with its ability to provide relief for up to six months, is an alternative treatment option for dry eye disease (DED) [3].
- Dry eye symptoms might be temporary without ongoing or regular acupuncture treatments for sustained symptom management and long-term benefit [1][3].
- Researchers have found that acupuncture sessions, lasting between 20-60 minutes, can result in improvements for some patients from the first or second treatment [3].
- Dry eye disease (DED) can cause discomfort such as scratchy eyes, blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light [2].
- Patients may notice a reduction in burning sensations and softer eyelids within two to four acupuncture sessions [3].
- A full treatment plan spanning several weeks is common to achieve more durable improvement in DED symptoms through acupuncture [3].
- Acupuncture for DED treatment involves the insertion of very small needles into the skin at different locations [4].
- Acupuncture might have mild side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and pain at the point of insertion [5].
- DED has no permanent cure, and the duration of symptom relief after acupuncture varies between individuals [1][3].
- Factors such as the severity of dry eye and the presence of underlying systemic conditions can influence how long relief lasts through acupuncture treatment [1][3].
- Acupuncture carries some risks, including bruising, bleeding, infection, and internal damage from unsterilized needles or broken needles [6].
- It's critical that acupuncturists adhere to regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring they use nontoxic, single-use, and sterilized needles [7].
- Other treatments for dry eyes include prescription eye drops, moisturizing gels, artificial tear solutions, changing medication, and preventive measures like using a warm compress, drinking water, using a humidifier, avoiding smoke and wind, limiting screen use, getting enough sleep, and consuming enough vitamin A [2].
- Patients are advised to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for individual dry eye disease needs [8].
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