Objective

2

To observe the clinical effect of

Longsha Kaihe Liuqi

acupuncture on primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

2

A total of 78 POAG patients were randomized into an observation group (39 cases

4 cases eliminated) and a control group (39 cases

1 case dropped out

3 cases eliminated). In the control group

the eye drops for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) were administered. In the observation group

besides the intervention as the control group

Longsha Kaihe Liuqi

acup

uncture was delivered. According to the 24 h intraocular pressure curve peak and in association with syndrome differentiation

2 or 3 lesion grades were determined. Centered at Baihui (GV20)

a circle with a diameter of 5 cm to 8 cm was drawn. Based on

Gu

's "three-

yin

three-

yang

open

close and pivot" diagram

the tender points were detected along the distribution of the affected meridians and stimulated with acupuncture. The needles were retained for 1 h and the intervention was operated once weekly. The duration of treatment was 4 weeks in the two groups. The 24 h IOP before and after treatment in the two groups

and the immediate IOP before and after acupuncture in the observation group were observed. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)

visual field-related indexes such as visual field index (VFI)

mean deviation (MD)

and pattern standard deviation (PSD)

optic disc blood flow density and TCM syndrome score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.

Results

2

In the observation group

the mean

peak

valley

fluctuation value of 24 h IOP

and absolute MD were all reduced after treatment when compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.05)

while VFI increased (

P

<

0.05). At the time points of 0: 00

2: 00

5: 00

and 22: 00 after treatment

IOP was lower than that at each corresponding time point before treatment (

P

<

0.05) in the observation group

and the immediate IOP after each acupuncture session was lower than that before acupuncture (

P

<

0.05). After treatment

the score of each TCM syndrome (eye swelling and pain

dry eyes

headache

irritability and sleep disturbance) and the total score were reduced when compared with those before treatment in the observation group (

P

<

0.05)

and lower than those in the control group (

P

<

0.05). After treatment

the differences in BCVA

PSD and optic

disc blood flow density were not statistically significant between the two groups (

P

>

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Longsha Kaihe Liuqi

acupuncture combined with intraocular pressure-lowering eye drops can reduce IOP and regulate 24 h intraocular pressure rhythm

improve visual field and ameliorate TCM syndromes of POAG patients.