Electroacupuncture as a Complementary Treatment for Drug-Resistant POAG

Overview

This case report presents a 76-year-old woman with drug-refractory primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who experienced significant intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and visual acuity improvement following electroacupuncture treatment. The findings suggest that electroacupuncture may serve as a feasible adjunct therapy for short-term IOP stabilization in patients unresponsive to standard treatments.

Background

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) being the only modifiable risk factor. Many elderly patients struggle with uncontrolled IOP despite multiple medications and may not be suitable candidates for surgical interventions. This case highlights the potential role of electroacupuncture as a complementary treatment option for those with drug-resistant POAG.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Patient had drug-refractory POAG with fluctuating IOP despite quadruple therapy.
• Electroacupuncture was initiated twice weekly, leading to IOP stabilization.
• Best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.4 (OD) / 0.25 (OS) to 0.5 in both eyes.
• No major adverse events were reported during the electroacupuncture treatment.
• Results are consistent with previous studies suggesting IOP-lowering effects of acupuncture in glaucoma patients.

Clinical Implications

Electroacupuncture may provide a non-invasive adjunct treatment option for patients with drug-resistant POAG, potentially improving IOP control and visual function. Clinicians should consider this modality for patients who are not candidates for surgical interventions or who experience inadequate responses to pharmacotherapy.

Conclusion

This case report suggests that electroacupuncture may be a viable complementary treatment for short-term IOP stabilization in drug-refractory POAG. Further research through randomized controlled trials is warranted to establish its efficacy and safety.

Related Resources & Content

1. Ophthalmology Management, 2017 -- ECP in Refractory Glaucoma Patients
2. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Macular Telangiectasia type 1 treated with integrated traditional Chinese acupuncture and Conbercept: a case report
3. Ophthalmology Management, 2002 -- Glaucoma Case Studies
4. American Academy of Ophthalmology -- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern®
5. Optometric Management — CLINICAL: Dry Eye Recommendations
6. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern® - Ophthalmology
7. Reduction of intraocular pressure and glaucoma progression: results from the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial - PubMed
8. Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Therapies to Treat Glaucoma | Department of Ophthalmology