Efficacy of intradermal acupuncture for ocular surface diseases secondary to refractory peripheral facial palsy: a randomized controlled trial study protocol - Report - MDSpire

Effectiveness of Intradermal Acupuncture in Treating Ocular Surface Disorders Associated with Refractory Peripheral Facial Palsy: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

  • By

  • Jiayi Yao

  • Lusha Cen

  • Qiushuang Li

  • Shan Liu

  • Chenjia Zhu

  • Lihua Xuan

  • Binyan Yu

  • July 20, 2026

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Effectiveness of Intradermal Acupuncture in Treating Ocular Surface Disorders

Overview

This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal acupuncture for treating ocular surface disorders associated with refractory peripheral facial palsy, specifically targeting conditions like exposure keratitis and dry eye disease. The trial aims to assess improvements in ocular surface disease index scores and other ocular surface function measures.

Background

Refractory Peripheral Facial Palsy (RPFP) can lead to significant ocular surface disorders due to lagophthalmos, resulting in conditions like exposure keratitis and dry eye disease. Current treatments primarily involve symptomatic care, such as sodium hyaluronate eye drops, highlighting the need for effective alternative therapies. This study investigates intradermal acupuncture as a potential intervention for these ocular surface disorders.

Data Highlights

GroupParticipants
Intradermal Acupuncture (IA)39
Sham Acupuncture (SIA)39

Key Findings

  • RPFP can lead to severe ocular surface disorders due to facial nerve injury.
  • 68.3% of RPFP patients exhibit superficial punctate keratopathy.
  • Primary outcome measure is a ≥ 12-point reduction in OSDI score after 4 weeks.
  • Secondary measures include Tear Meniscus Height (TMH) and Non-invasive Tear Film Break-Up Time (NIBUT).
  • Current management for OSDs includes sodium hyaluronate eye drops and other supportive therapies.

Clinical Implications

The trial aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of intradermal acupuncture as a treatment for ocular surface disorders in RPFP patients.

Conclusion

This randomized controlled trial will systematically evaluate the potential of intradermal acupuncture in improving ocular surface disorders associated with RPFP.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Retinal Physician, Steroids in Diabetic Macular Edema, 2015 -- Steroids in Diabetic Macular Edema
  2. Frontiers in Medicine, Mechanism of periocular acupuncture in alleviating dry eye neuropathic pain, 2026 -- Mechanism of periocular acupuncture in alleviating dry eye neuropathic pain via regulation of the “periocular acupoint–trigeminal ganglion–ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus” pathway
  3. Retinal Physician, Clinical Trials Update, 2009 -- Clinical Trials Update
  4. Frontiers in Neurology, Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity, 2026 -- Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
  5. Exposure Keratopathy - EyeWiki -- Exposure Keratopathy
  6. Frontiers in Neurology, The efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for peripheral facial paralysis, 2025 -- The efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for peripheral facial paralysis: an overview of systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. Exposure Keratopathy - EyeWiki
  8. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for peripheral facial paralysis: an overview of systematic review and meta-analysis

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