Acupuncture for patients with glaucoma

To explore the possibility of using acupuncture for patients with glaucoma, doctors in Japan conducted this pilot study in 11 patients with glaucoma. Acupuncture treatment was carried out twice a week over 5 weeks. Intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and subjective symptoms were observed at 15 minutes before and after acupuncture once a week and in a 4-week follow-up.

Results: Intraocular pressure was significantly improved at 15 minutes after acupuncture, at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 5 weeks and tended to be lower weekly. Uncorrected visual acuity was significantly improved at 3, 4 and 5 week. Best corrected visual acuity was significantly improved at 5 weeks.

Conclusion: Acupuncture can be used to supplement the conventional therapy for glaucoma.

Source: Kurusu M. et al. Acupuncture for patients with glaucoma. Explore 2005;1:372-376.