Objective

2

To observe the effect of the direct stimulation of acupuncture at extraocular muscle attachment point on acquired extraocular muscle palsy.

Methods

2

Thirteen patients with acquired extraocular muscle palsy were treated with acupuncture directly at extraocular muscle (paralytic muscle) attachment point. Firstly

the intraocular conjunctival sac drops of topical anesthetic (procaine hydrochloride eye drops) were administered

0.2 mL each time

once every 10 minutes

for a total of 3 times. Acupuncture was delivered immediately after the third drop. The sterile acupuncture needle for single use

0.25 mm×25 mm

was inserted at the anatomical location of the corneal limbal attachment of paralytic extraocular muscle

with an angle of 10° to 15° formed between the needle tip and extraocular muscle

and a depth of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Pivoted by the needle tip

the eyeball was moved passively towards the direction of normal action of orbital muscle

30 to 50 times until the patient felt soreness of the eyeball; afterwards

the needle was removed. After acupuncture

levofloxacin eye drops were administered once (0.2 mL) at the affected eye. The treatment was given twice a week

and completed when diplopia disappeared. Before and after treatment

the diplopia and the synoptophore circumference were observed respectively.

Results

2

After 7 to 24 (15.46±5.56) times of direct stimulation with acupuncture at extraocular muscle attachment point

the symptoms of diplopia disappeared in 13 patients

the eye position restored to orthophoria

and the circumference of synoptophore was reduced to be (4.04±0.82)° from (19.38±3.98)° detected before treatment (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Acupuncture directly at extraocular muscle attachment can attenuate diplopia and improve ocular muscle function in patients with acquired extraocular muscle palsy.