• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.61-67
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• 2012

Objective : The endpoint of this trial is to verify therapeutical availability of conventional western eyedrops combined with acupuncture treatment by means of BUT(tear film break-up time), Schirmer's test, which have been considered to be typical methods for diagnosing dry eye syndrome. Methods : The subjects of this trial included the outpatients who had been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome in Pusan national university hospital and underwent acupuncture treatment from March 2011 to April 2011. They received acupuncture treatment once a week, three times while constantly using Restasis or artificial tears. We collated and analyzed the outcome data of Schirmer's test and BUT conducted at the beginning of this trial and three times more after each acupuncture treatments. Acupoints, such as, Chanjuk(BL2), Eoryo, Sajukgong(TE23), Taeyang, Sabaek(ST2), limited around both eyes were selected based on their clinical effects referring to medical books. Results : 1. From BUT test results, Restasis and acupuncture combined group showed statistically significant difference, however, artificial tears and acupuncture combined group showed difference only between before and after the treatment, which is not statistically significant. 2. From Schirmer's test results, Restasis and acupuncture combined group showed statistically significant difference, however, artificial tears and acupuncture combined group showed difference only between before and after the treatment, which is not statistically significant. 3. The average duration of treatment was statistically 16.3 days for Restasis and acupuncture combined group. Conclusions : Combination of acupuncture and Restasis for dry eye syndrome can shorten the duration of treatment. Therefore, clinical benefit is expected to be worth.