Dry eyes

 

Overview

 

The disorder is most often idiopathic or associated with older age but can also be caused by connective tissue diseases (eg, Sjögren syndrome, RA, SLE). Patients may experience either inadequate tear volume or excessive volume of poor quality tears. The loss of tear film can cause corneal injury.

 

Treatment options

 

Artificial tears are used in both types of dry eyes. Immunomodulating eye drops have been recently approved for severe dry eye disease, which may take a few months to relieve symptoms.

 

Acupuncture

acupuncture is used for dry eye syndrom

 

Treatment objects

 

In patients with mild to moderate age-related dry eyes, the aim is to restore normal tear secretion and minimize the irritation. Significant improvement is expected in severe cases, even with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The effectiveness of autoimmune condition related dry eyes partially depends on the control of the underlying conditions. Patients with well-controlled autoimmune disease, dry eyes are likely to improve significantly.

 

Treatment protocol

 

Mild to moderate age-related: 4 sessions over 2-4 weeks Severe and autoimmune-related: 6 or 8 sessions over 6 weeks. Patients may need maintenance treatments fortnightly or monthly after initial improvement.

 

Safety

 

Acupuncture is a well-tolerated safe treatment. The specific technique with strong stimulation may be used.