Acupuncture for patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma

Background: German doctors conducted this observational study to investigate the effect of acupuncture on individual internal eye pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients.
Patients: 18 patients (11 female; age 38-75 years) with glaucoma or ocular hypertension received one session of acupuncture treatment (acupuncture points Liv 3, Li 4, Gb 37). Intraocular pressure were measured 15 min before, 15 min after, and 24 h after acupuncture.
Results: Compared with the mean intraocular pressure in both eyes before treatment (21.94±2.4 mmHg), patients showed a significant decrease 15 min after treatment (-2.67±1.34 mmHg) as well as 24 h after treatment (-2.5±2.13 mmHg). No adverse events were observed.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that acupuncture therapy may be a valid treatment option for glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients.

Source: Uhrig S, et al. Standardized acupuncture therapy in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma – results of a prospective observation study. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 2003;10:256-261.