Studying Intradermal Acupuncture to Treat Eye Surface Problems After Hard-to-Heal Facial Paralysis in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the clinical effects of intradermal acupuncture for treating ocular surface diseases that occur after intractable peripheral facial paralysis, a condition often accompanied by eye problems like incomplete eyelid closure and irritation. This study aims to determine whether intradermal acupuncture can effectively reduce symptoms measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index OSDI compared to a placebo needle. The trial is a single-center, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled parallel study aiming to find a convenient and safe treatment option for these eye conditions. Participants will receive basic background treatment and are randomly assigned to either an intradermal acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group. The intradermal acupuncture involves inserting a small needle at specific points under sterile conditions, retaining it for 72 hours, and replacing it twice a week during a 4-week treatment period. Participants in the acupuncture group will also perform standardized self-administered pressing guided by a WeChat mini program three times daily. The sham group receives the basic treatment plus sham acupuncture without needle insertion. During the 4-week treatment and a 6-week follow-up, participants will have regular assessments every two weeks to measure outcomes including the OSDI score, tear meniscus height, tear film break-up time, meibomian gland imaging, eyelid closure width, and facial nerve function grading. These evaluations help researchers monitor symptom changes and safety. The total participation time covers treatment and follow-up to observe the effects over 10 weeks.

The Efficacy of Intradermal Acupuncture for Ocular Surface Diseases After Intractable Facial Paralysis