Medical vs Acupuncture for Dry Eye (NCT07185854) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Medical vs Acupuncture for Dry Eye
Turkey (Türkiye)90 participantsStarted 2024-01-15
Plain-language summary
This randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture combined with artificial tears compared to artificial tears alone in patients with moderate dry eye disease. A total of 90 participants were enrolled at the University of Health Sciences, Ankara Training and Research Hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either artificial tears only or artificial tears with acupuncture. Acupuncture was performed twice weekly for ten sessions by a certified specialist.
Assessments were conducted at baseline, after treatment, and at one-month follow-up using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer test, and tear break-up time (tBUT). The primary outcome measure was the change in OSDI score, while secondary outcomes included Schirmer test values and tBUT.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Diagnosis of moderate dry eye disease according to TFOS DEWS II criteria
* Anesthetized Schirmer test result between 5-10 mm
* Tear break-up time (tBUT) between 6-10 seconds
* Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score ≥ 13
* Symptom duration of at least 3 months
* Signed informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria:
* Sjögren's syndrome, active blepharitis, or meibomian gland dysfunction
* Systemic rheumatologic, autoimmune, or metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes)
* Use of systemic or topical treatment for dry eye within the last 6 months
* Previous ocular surgery
* Contact lens use
* Pregnancy or lactation
* History of neurological or psychiatric disorders
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) Score
Timeframe: Baseline (Day 1); End of Treatment (Week 5, after 10 sessions); 1-Month Follow-up (Week 9)