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Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of Auricular Acupuncture Point for Dry Eyes: Jong-Soo Lee, Sang-Ho Hwang* Byung-Cheul Shin,† * Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University & Medical Research Institute, Pusan national University Hospital, Busan, South Korea Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of reducing the ocular symptoms and signs between before and after auricular acupuncture point with electric stimulation for dry eyes. Methods: Inclusion criteria for this study was a BUT below 5 seconds and a Schirmer test below 5 mm in dry eyes with ocular symptoms at least over six months. Subjects were randomized into treatment group (n=70) with continuous low frequency electrical stimulation at auricular acupuncture points and sham group (n=40) as control without electrical stimulation at the same auricular points. We stimulated the auricular acupuncture points such as Shen men, Zero, Liver, and Eye point of the both ears with electrical stimulation, and performed two times a week for 4 weeks at each point for 30 seconds. Ophthalmologic observation including the ocular symptoms, the Break-Up Time of tear film (BUT) and the Schirmer test was performed before and after 1 week, and 3 months postoperatively. Results: There were no relevant differences in age or sex of the subjects of two groups (P>0.05). The score of ocular symptoms were significantly better in treatment group after 1 week and 3 months after this procedure as compared with control group (P<0.05). There was also a significantly better after than before this procedure in Schirmer test and the BUT in treatment group (P<0.05), while there wasn't different between before and after in control (P>0.05). Conclusions: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of an auricular acupuncture point improves the ocular symptoms and signs for dry eye during at least 3 months. Key words: Auricular acupuncture, BUT, Dry eye, Schimer test |
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