Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture in Improving Dry Eye Symptoms in University Students

Dry eye symptoms can cause various discomforts in the eyes and/or visual disturbances. This condition not only limits daily personal activities and reduces quality of life and mental health but also has negative economic impacts on families and society. Currently, complementary and alternative methods have been employed, with acupuncture being a promising treatment for patients with dry eye disease. Among these, auricular acupuncture has been proven effective in managing eye diseases and improving dry eye symptoms.

Participants and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in improving dry eye symptoms by stimulating five acupoints: Auricular Shenmen (TF4), Eye 1 (TG2b), Eye 2 (AT1b), Liver (CO12), and Kidney (CO10), combined with the application of artificial tears 5-6 times per day for 4 weeks and the potential adverse effects of auricular acupuncture. A total of 50 participants were randomly assigned to 2 group (A and B) and the allocation ratio was 1:1. In group A: Participants received sham auricular acupuncture by sticking patches at specific points on one ear, combined with artificial tear drops. In group B: Participants underwent auricular acupuncture at the same points on one ear, combined with artificial tear drops. Stimulation was performed three times daily by pressing each needle or adhesive patch for approximately 10 seconds or until the ear turned red or became slightly painful. The total duration of the study was 4 weeks. Participants alternated auricular acupuncture or sham acupuncture between ears for five sessions, with each session lasting 5 days. Our study evaluate: (1) The improvement in dry eye symptoms acccording to the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5); (2) The impact on quality of life was evaluated using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) and (3) Adverse effects during auricular acupuncture: Pain, allergy at the site of auricular acupuncture, acupuncture vertigo.