Dr Maggie Ju
Acupuncture London
Chelsea book online 02033623366
Kensington and Notting Hill 07944930253
Richmond 07944930253
Pain Relief: headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain back pain hip pain and groin pain knee pain vulvodynia UTI and bladder pain pelvic pain nerve pain arthritis elbow pain hand and wrist pain eye pain ear pain
Fertility and Miscarriage: infertility, miscarriage, high FSH, low AMH, short luteal phase, low progesterone, IVF support PCOS POF endometriosis
Antiaging: facial rejuvenation acne wrinkle reduction face lift skin tightening neck lines
Stress and Insomnia: stress and anxiety insomnia
Pain Free Acupuncture Treatment:
Efficient, Natural, Noninvasive, Minimal side effects
Dry Eye: The Role of Acupuncture in Relieving Symptoms
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes fail to receive adequate lubrication from tears. This can happen due to various reasons, such as insufficient tear production or the production of poor-quality tears. As a result, the eye's surface becomes inflamed and damaged, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Recognizing the symptoms of dry eyes is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment.
The symptoms of dry eyes may manifest in several ways. Individuals with this condition often experience a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in their eyes. Stringy mucus may form in or around the eyes, and sensitivity to light can increase. Redness, the feeling of having a foreign object in the eye, and difficulties with contact lens wear or night-time driving are also common. Watery eyes, blurred vision, and eye fatigue may further indicate the presence of dry eyes. These symptoms can be exacerbated in specific situations, such as being on an airplane, staying in an air-conditioned room, cycling, or prolonged computer use.
If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to complications, including eye infections and inflammation, causing pain and further damage to the eyes. Therefore, managing the symptoms of dry eyes is essential to prevent these complications and improve overall eye health.
One potential treatment option that has shown promising results in relieving dry eye symptoms is acupuncture. Numerous clinical research studies have provided evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in addressing this condition.
In a comprehensive review comparing the effects of acupuncture and artificial tears treatment, seven studies involving 383 patients were analyzed. The researchers utilized tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer I test (SIT), and cornea fluorescein staining (CFS) to measure treatment effectiveness. The results indicated that the BUT of patients in the acupuncture group was significantly longer than that of the artificial tears group after treatment. Additionally, the SIT scores were significantly higher in the acupuncture group compared to the artificial tears group, and the CFS showed notable improvement in the acupuncture group. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that acupuncture therapy is effective for dry eye patients, demonstrating superior results when compared to artificial tear treatments.
Another study focused on evaluating the effects of acupuncture on dry eye syndrome following refractive surgery. Eighteen patients with dry eye syndrome after refractive surgery participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups: one receiving acupuncture in addition to usual care and the other receiving usual care only. The treatment was administered three times a week for four weeks. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was employed as an assessment tool to measure treatment effectiveness. The results showed a significant difference in OSDI changes between the acupuncture plus usual care group and the usual care only group. Importantly, no serious adverse events were reported during the study. The researchers concluded that a four-week acupuncture treatment, in conjunction with usual care, is a viable and safe option for managing dry eye syndrome after refractive surgery.
More recently, a comprehensive review of nineteen studies involving 1,126 patients examined the effectiveness of acupuncture for dry eye symptoms. The analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in dry eyes following acupuncture treatment. Moreover, the review concluded that acupuncture treatment is more effective than artificial tears treatments.
In conclusion, dry eye is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and potential complications. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment is crucial. Acupuncture has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for alleviating dry eye symptoms. Multiple studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving tear production, relieving inflammation, and enhancing overall eye health. As further research continues to explore the benefits of acupuncture in managing dry eyes, individuals suffering from this condition can look forward to finding relief and improved quality of life.
References
Lei Yang et al Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; 2015: 143858.
Jun-Hwan Lee et al Integr Med Res. 2021 Mar; 10(1): 100456.
Bong Hyun Kim et al BMC Complement Altern Med. 2018; 18: 145.
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Understanding Blepharitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Blepharitis is a common yet often misunderstood eye condition that affects individuals of all ages. Characterized by inflammation of the eyelids, this chronic condition can lead to discomfort, irritation, and in severe cases, vision problems. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments for blepharitis is crucial for effective management and relief.
What is Blepharitis?
Blepharitis occurs when the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes become clogged or irritated. This leads to redness, swelling, and the formation of crusts or scales along the eyelid margins. While it typically doesn’t cause permanent damage to vision, it can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities.
Symptoms of Blepharitis
The signs and symptoms of blepharitis can vary from person to person but often include:
Red and swollen eyelids: Inflammation along the edges of the eyelids.
Itchy or burning sensation: Irritation or discomfort around the eyes.
Crusty debris: Formation of flakes or crusts along the eyelid margin.
Watery eyes or dry eye symptoms: Excessive tearing or dryness.
Sensitivity to light: Eyes may become more sensitive to light.
Causes of Blepharitis
Several factors contribute to the development of blepharitis:
Bacterial or eyelash mite infection: Bacteria or Demodex mites on the eyelids can trigger inflammation.
Meibomian gland dysfunction: Dysfunction of the oil glands in the eyelids leads to poor oil secretion and subsequent inflammation.
Skin conditions: Conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis can increase the risk of blepharitis.
Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and improve the symptoms of blepharitis.