Seeing Clearly Part 1: How Acupuncture Can Help with Dry Eyes

Wait, what? Acupuncture can help relieve or resolve Dry Eye Syndrome. Yes, but how? Read on…

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is becoming increasingly common, particularly in the United States. This condition arises when the eyes either fail to produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness, irritation, redness, and even floaters in one’s vision. Understanding the factors contributing to DES and exploring potential treatments can help individuals manage this uncomfortable condition.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

Several factors can contribute to DES, including:

• Lack of Sleep: Insufficient rest can reduce tear production.

• Environmental Conditions: Wind, dry air, and smoke can exacerbate symptoms.

• Prolonged Screen Time: Extended periods in front of screens reduce blink frequency, leading to tear evaporation.

• Daily Stress: Stress can affect overall health, including eye health.

• Underlying Health Issues: Conditions like autoimmune diseases can impact tear production.

  
  

Managing Dry Eye Syndrome

For those grappling with DES, management often includes:

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter eye drops can provide temporary relief.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Taking regular breaks from screens, staying hydrated, and improving sleep hygiene can all help.

• Alternative Treatments: Approaches like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have gained attention for their potential benefits.

  
  

Acupuncture for Dry Eye Syndrome

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been utilized for thousands of years to address various health concerns. This practice involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate a therapeutic response in the brain. For DES, acupuncture aims to enhance blood flow to the eyes and related organs.

In TCM, the two most important organs responsible for eye health are the liver and kidneys which are vital for tear secretion and eye moisture. Proper blood circulation is essential since about 90% of blood plasma is made of water. If blood flow to the eyes or moisture-regulating organs is compromised, dryness can ensue in the eyes or even these organs. Thus, according to TCM theory, acupuncture can help nourish and hydrate the eyes by improving circulation into the eyes, liver, or kidneys to help enhance moisture, and overall eye health.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment?

Before starting acupuncture, a licensed acupuncturist will assess your overall health and specific symptoms to determine the root cause of your DES. During a session, thin, sterile needles are inserted into targeted acupuncture points. While some may feel a mild prick, most report minimal discomfort, with many experiencing a sense of relaxation and relief from dry eye symptoms after just a few sessions. A typical session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, and many patients find relief from dry eye symptoms after just a few treatments.

Recommendations to Enhance The Effects of Acupuncture

To maximize the benefits of acupuncture, consider combining it with other treatments and lifestyle changes:

• Regular Breaks: If you spend long hours in front of a screen, take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain overall hydration, which can support tear production.

• Eye Drops: Use preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes moist between acupuncture sessions.

• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can help reduce the evaporation of tears.

When combined with lifestyle adjustments and complementary treatments, acupuncture can provide significant and long-lasting relief from the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. 

Experience The Difference Restorative Acupuncture Can Make

Restorative Care Acupuncture & Health has an amazing success rate when treating dry eye syndrome and many other health problems using our style of acupuncture in Miami. If you or someone you know needs the amazing benefits of this amazing holistic approach, make them “aware” there is help. Contact us today to book an appointment and we will let you know what we can do for you.