To describe the effects of electroacupuncture as an adjunct treatment for a patient with drug-refractory primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), highlighting its potential significance in managing this condition.
Key Findings:
IOP decreased from 12 mmHg (OD) / 29 mmHg (OS) to within target after the first two EA sessions, observed over a period of weeks.
BCVA improved from 0.4 (OD) / 0.25 (OS) to 0.5 in both eyes (OU) during the treatment period.
No major adverse events were observed during the treatment.
Interpretation:
The clinical course observed aligns with previous reports indicating short-term IOP-lowering and ocular-perfusion effects of acupuncture in POAG, suggesting potential benefits for patients with similar conditions.
Limitations:
Causal attribution cannot be established due to the continuation of topical antiglaucoma therapy throughout the intervention, which complicates the assessment of EA's effectiveness.
The study design is a single-case report, limiting generalizability and the ability to draw broader conclusions.
Conclusion:
Electroacupuncture may be a feasible adjunct for short-term IOP stabilization and symptomatic improvement in drug-refractory POAG, but further confirmation in randomized sham-controlled trials with longer follow-up is urgently needed to validate these findings.
