A literature review on acupuncture for eye strain (asthenopia)
2020 Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 12-23
Details
2020 Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 12-23
Aim : To research the current situation of studies on acupuncture for eye strain (asthenopia).
Methods : Studies on acupuncture for eye strain (asthenopia) and case reports were searched on Ichushi Web (Japan Medical Abstracts Society) and PubMed (accessed July 2019). The studies were analyzed based on the type, decade, and details and results of acupuncture for eye strain.
Results : The search yielded 42 studies, including 4 randomized controlled trials, 6 quasi-randomized controlled trials, 6 controlled studies, 13 studies without controls, 13 case reports, and no systematic reviews. The number of articles published in the 2010 s was 24, which was significantly higher than the number published in earlier decades. Interventions and treatments included various combinations of needle types, techniques, depths, the use of electroacupuncture, acupoint distributions, theories, and loads of acupuncture. Most articles suggested that acupuncture is effective for eye strain.
Discussion and Conclusion : Further higher-quality studies are required to provide a high level of evidence in this field.
