Acupuncture at a Single Acupoint, BL1 (Jingming), Compared to Artificial Tears in Moderate to Severe Dry Eye Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract BackgroundThe global incidence of dry eye disease (DED) is very high. DED seriously affects the quality of life of patients; however, the current curative effect of medicine for moderate to severe DED is poor. This randomized clinical trial was planned to investigate the effect of acupuncture compared with artificial tears on moderate to severe DED.MethodsA randomized clinical trial was performed at 2 hospitals in China. 120 DED patients were randomly equally divided into an acupuncture and an artificial tear group. Either acupuncture or artificial tears was performed for an 8-week period, and a 32-week follow-up was performed. The primary outcome measure was the Schirmer-I test (SIT) value. The secondary outcome measures included the numerical rating scale (NRS) for improvement in ocular symptoms, the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), the tear-film break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and acupuncture acceptability. Adverse events also were monitored and documented.ResultsFor the primary outcome, the mean changes in the SIT values were significantly different between the acupuncture (5.75 [2.53‒9.75]) and artificial tear (0.52 [-1.18‒2.46]) groups at week 8 (P = 0.01). The OSDI decreased by -16.14 (-35.40‒16.30) and − 7.65 (-19.25‒15.05) from baseline to week 8 in the acupuncture and artificial tear groups, respectively (P < 0.05). A significant decrease was found in the NRS score for eye dryness, eye pain, and blurred vision in the acupuncture group, as compared to the artificial tear group. However, the change in the average symptom NRS score, TBUT, and CFS did not differ significantly at week 8. Five cases experienced acupuncture-related adverse events.ConclusionsThis randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture at a single acupoint, BL1, significantly promoted tear secretion and improved multiple eye discomfort symptoms. Acupuncture showed greater benefits than artificial tears for moderate to severe DED. However, the study findings warrant verification.Trial registrationRegistration number: ChiCTR1800015831. Name of trial registry: Efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye disease: a randomized controlled trial.