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Abstract #10020 Published in IGR 5-3
Standardized acupuncture therapy in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma: results of a prospective observation study
Uhrig S; Hummelsberger J; Brinkhaus BForschende Komplementarmedizin und klassische Naturheilkunde 2003; 10: 256-261
BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is one of the most frequent causes of blindness worldwide. The main risk factor for this optic nerve disease is high individual intraocular pressure (IOP). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this observational study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture therapy on individual internal eye pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (11 female; aged 38-75 years) with a diagnosis of glaucoma (n = 3) or ocular hypertension (n = 15) were included in the study. Patients received one session of a standardized acupuncture treatment (acupuncture points Liv 3, Li 4, Gb 37). Target parameters were the change in IOP and the compatibility of treatment. Measurements of intraocular pressure were carried out 15 minutes before, and 15 minutes and 24 hours after acupuncture. RESULTS: Compared with the mean IOP in both eyes before treatment (21.94 ± 2.4 mmHg), patients showed a significant decrease 15 minutes after treatment (-2.67 ± 1.34 mmHg) as well as 24 hours after treatment (-2.5 ± 2.13 mmHg). There was no significant difference between the mean IOP at 15 minutes after treatment and at 24 hours after treatment. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that acupuncture therapy may be a valid treatment option for glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients. Additional and, if possible, randomized studies investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of the above-mentioned conditions still need to be conducted. LA: German
Dr. S. Uhrig, Augenarztliche Praxis, Wiesbaden, Germany
Classification:
12.20 Other (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)
