Subjects with dry eye are enrolled at two ophthalmic centers and randomly assigned to a laser acupuncture group and control group under conventional treatment with artificial tears. The effects of laser acupuncture therapy for patients with dry eye are investigated.
Objective: Dry eye is a common ophthalmologic disorder causing ocular discomfort in daily life. The investigators aim to investigate the effects of laser acupuncture therapy for patients with dry eye. Methods: 200 subjects with dry eye are enrolled at two ophthalmic centers and randomly assigned to a laser acupuncture group and control group under conventional treatment with artificial tears. The subjects are treated at acupoints including BL2, TE23, ST2, LI4, ST36, and GB37 using verum or sham laser acupuncture during 3 sessions per week. After 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, the differences in the Tear film break-up time, Schirmer test, visual analogue scale, Ocular Surface Disease Index of the patients are analyzed, and compared between the laser acupuncture and control groups using paired t-test and one way ANOVA.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
200
Subjects were treated 3 times per week for 12 weeks with the LaserPen (GaAlAs laser diode, 810 nm, 150 mW, pulsed waves), which delivered 0.375 J of energy (5 s) to BL2, TE23, ST2, LI4, ST36, and GB37.
Subjects were treated 3 times per week for 12 weeks with the LaserPen without laser output (5 s) to BL2, TE23, ST2, LI4, ST36, and GB37.
Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
RECRUITINGOcular Surface Disease Index
The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) is a 12-item scale for the assessment of symptoms related to dry eye disease and their effect on vision.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Schirmer test
A Schirmer's test is used to assess how quickly the eyes produce tears.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Visual analogue scale of eye discomfort
A 10-cm visual analog scale (0-10 points, least to greatest discomfort intensity, VAS) was used to measure the intensity of eye discomfort.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Tear film break-up time
Tear film break-up time (TFBUT) measures the time required for tears to naturally evaporate and diffuse after blinking.
Time frame: 12 weeks
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