This work was supported by the Xinglin Scholar Research Promotion Project of the Chengdu University of TCM (MPRC2022012 and QJJJ2023004).

This protocol has been approved for clinical trial ethics in the Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ethics record number: KY2023001). Ensure that the environment is clean and pollution-free, with plenty of light and quiet surroundings. Informed consent was obtained from the patients to use and publish data shown in this paper.
1. Doctor preparation
<ol>
	<li>Check the basic information of the patient. Make sure the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for myopia in the Myopia Prevention and Control Guidelines and has dry eye: (1) Make sure that the patient has blurred vision at a distance, good near vision, often fluctuating distance vision in the early stage, and squinting when looking at distant objects; (2) Determine myopia by refraction and determine the degree.</li>
	<li>Exclude patients with the following conditions: (1) Patients with motion sickness; (2) Skin ulcers; (3) Patients with poor blood sugar control, poor blood pressure control, and dizziness; (4) Patients with coagulation dysfunction and severe cardiac insufficiency; (5) Rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, kidney failure, liver failure, etc.; (6) Patients who do not cooperate with treatment.</li>
	<li>Wear a medical mask and medical hat</li>
	<li>Wash hands with soapy water and the seven-step handwashing method, keep them dry, and use hand sanitizer before taking the needle. 
	NOTE: Avoid touching other items after hand sanitization. Hand washing must be carried out before and after the procedure, and hands must be kept clean.</li>
</ol>
2. Patient examination
<ol>
	<li>Get basic patient information: ask for the patient's name, sex, age, doctor number, height, weight, past medical history, chief complaint, and other basic information.</li>
	<li>Test the patient's naked eye visual acuity.
	<ol>
		<li>Ask the patient to be 5 m away from the eye chart; cover one side of the eye.</li>
		<li>Identify the "E" on the eye chart and check it until it is no longer recognizable. Keep the direction of the label from top to bottom.</li>
		<li>Read the decimal notation on the left side of the eye chart and judge the patient's visual acuity based on the reading of the eye chart.</li>
		<li>The other eye is then evaluated using the same method. A score of less than 1.0 is considered myopia compared to the Universal Visual Acuity Chart (UCVA).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Test the patient's dry eye syndrome score.
	<ol>
		<li>Make sure the patient has one of the subjective symptoms such as dry eyes, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, fatigue, discomfort, eye redness, and vision fluctuations.</li>
		<li>Check the corresponding conditions against the ocular surface disease index scale (OSDI): Have you experienced photophobia, foreign body sensation, eye pain, eye irritation, blurred vision, or vision loss in the last week? Always appearing is 4 points, often appearing is 3 points, half of the time appearing is 2 points, sometimes appearing is 1 point, no appearance is 0 points.</li>
		<li>Calculate the score using equation: 0-12 is normal; 13-22 is classified as mild dry eye; 23-32 for moderate dry eye; 33-100 is severe dry eye. 
		Final score =   <img alt="Equation illustrating average score calculation method using variables and arithmetic." src="/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727eq01.jpg" style="margin: auto;" data-altupdatedat="1747911167000" data-alt="Equation 1"></li>
		<li>If the patient's UCVA score is &lt;1.0 and the OSDI is ≥13 points, perform the next step of needle therapy; otherwise, suspend the needle administration. Make sure the skin is not damaged and ulcerated.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Measure the patient's blood pressure.
	<ol>
		<li>Let the patient relax and rest quietly for 5-10 min before the measurement.</li>
		<li>Prepare a mercury sphygmomanometer; have the patient sit with their feet flat and their elbows and forearms comfortably positioned approximately parallel to the heart.</li>
		<li>Turn on the blood pressure monitor and bring the mercury column down to zero.</li>
		<li>Tie the sphygmomanometer cuff above the elbow joint of the patient's upper arm; ensure that one finger can still be inserted between the cuff and the skin.</li>
		<li>Put the stethoscope in the elbow joint where there is an arterial pulse, and then slowly raise the pressure in the blood pressure monitor until the pulse of the blood vessels cannot be heard through the stethoscope. Now slowly deflate: systolic blood pressure is when the first sound of the pulse of the blood vessels is heard while diastolic blood pressure is when no sound can be heard.</li>
		<li>If the blood pressure is normal (systolic blood pressure is lower than 90-140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure is higher than 60-90 mmHg), perform the next step of needle therapy; otherwise, suspend the needle application.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Detect the patient's pulse rate and oxygen saturation.
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare a clip-on oximeter, put the index finger of the left or right hand into the clip-on of the clip-on oximeter, and check that the infrared light in the clip-on is turned on.</li>
		<li>Keep the finger in full contact with the clip-on oximeter, showing the progress of the test on the display. After entering the detection state, keep fingers in a stable state.</li>
		<li>Once the test result is displayed on the display, take the finger out. The %SpO2 at the top of the display screen is the blood oxygen index, and the Min on the screen is the pulse rate.</li>
		<li>If the pulse rate is normal (60-100 bpm (times/min)), carry out the next step of needle treatment; otherwise, suspend the needle application.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Measure the patient's respiratory rate.
	<ol>
		<li>Ask the patient to be quiet, sitting or lying flat for calm breathing.</li>
		<li>Observe the person's breathing pattern (chest breathing or abdominal breathing) and place their hands on the chest or abdomen.</li>
		<li>Count with a watch or clock and judge the respiratory rate per minute by observing the rise and fall of the chest or abdominal cavity.</li>
		<li>If the respiratory rate is normal (12-20 breaths/min), perform the next step of needle therapy; otherwise, suspend the needle application.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Identification and disinfection of acupuncture points
<ol>
	<li>Lay the patient flat on the treatment bed in a supine position. Remove glasses, if any, to expose the face. Let the doctor stand on the right side of the patient.</li>
	<li>Follow acupuncture point positioning: according to the standardized acupoint positioning, Cuanzhu (BL2), Yuyao (Ex-HN04), Sibai (ST2) (see Figure 2).
	<ol>
		<li>BL2: locate on the face, take the depression on the inner edge of the eyebrows (the middle of the eyebrows, the supraorbital notch).</li>
		<li>Ex-HN04: locate on the forehead, looking straight up, the pupil is straight up; take the middle of the eyebrows.</li>
		<li>ST2: locate on the face, the eyes are square, the pupil is straight down; take the depression of the infraorbital foramen. 
		CAUTION: Ask the patient if they have an alcohol allergy before disinfection. It should not be used by those allergic to alcohol and stainless steel.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Take 75% medical disinfection alcohol, spray 2-3x at the acupuncture point, and wipe with a disposable medical disinfection swab from inside to outside, from top to bottom; the diameter of the disinfection part is about 2-3 cm. Wait for the alcohol to evaporate and ensure that the operating part is dry.</li>
</ol>
4. Acupuncture procedures
<ol>
	<li>Check the press needle to ensure that it is within the shelf life, open the package, and check whether the press needle is complete, without damage or deformation.</li>
	<li>Acupuncture the BL2 acupoint: fix the skin with the thumb and index finger of the left hand, pick up the needle tape with tweezers with the right hand, keep the needle sterile, aim the needle tip at the acupuncture point, enter the skin at 45°, press the needle tip completely into the skin, and press the fixed tape with the left hand (see Figure 3).
	<ol>
		<li>If touching the blood vessel, reduce the angle between the needle and the skin to avoid further insertion of the needle into the blood vessel.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Acupuncture the Ex-HN04 acupoint: follow the procedure outlined in step 4.2 (see Figure 4).</li>
	<li>Acupuncture the ST2 acupoint: follow the procedure outlined in step 4.2 (see Figure 5).</li>
	<li>Ask the patient how they feel: gently press the finger 3x to apply the needle, and ask the patient whether there is any sourness, numbness, swelling, pain, and other irritation. If there is any sensation, leave the needle; if there is no sensation, adjust the direction of the acupuncture until there is sensation, and then leave the needle.</li>
	<li>Remove the needle after 2 days, rest for 1 day, and apply the above acupuncture points again. A course of treatment lasts 2 weeks; administer a total of 2 courses of treatment. Perform compressions approximately every 3 h during the retention period, 3x a day, for ~1 min at a time.</li>
	<li>Take the needle: fix the skin with the thumb and index finger of the left hand, pick up the needle tape with tweezers in the right hand, take out the needle perpendicular to the skin, press the needle hole with a sterile cotton swab after removal, and disinfect it locally with an alcohol swab.</li>
	<li>After the needle is removed, keep the patient in the treatment room for 30 min before leaving.</li>
	<li>Efficacy evaluation: after 1 course (2 weeks), measure the patient's naked eye vision against the International Universal Visual Acuity Chart (UCVA), and assess the improvement of the patient's dry eye score before the next course of treatment.</li>
</ol>

Standardizing Press Needle Treatment for Myopia with Dry Eye

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

As an ancient traditional treatment method in China, the efficacy of acupuncture has been verified in the long history of development, and various research results in recent years have further proved the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving the vision and dry eye symptoms of myopia patients. The effectiveness of this therapy depends mainly on the acupuncture points chosen. The studies of Gao Hui14 and others have confirmed that acupuncture therapy can significantly improve the symptoms of dry eye and increase the amount of tear secretion. As for the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of myopia patients with dry eye, many clinical reports have been confirmed in China. According to the classical theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the twelve meridians and their complexions have corresponding distribution areas on the skin surface. With the method of shallow piercing skin, combined with the theory of skin theory and meridians and acupoints, the press needle can be stimulated for a long time under the skin to achieve internal regulation of zang-fu organs, improve qi and blood, so that the essence is transfused to the purpose. In recent years, with the innovation of medical technology and the widespread application of TCM-appropriate technology, the clinical application value of acupuncture in eye diseases is getting higher and higher15.
The three acupoints selected in this formula include BL2, Ex-HN04, and ST2. BL2, Ex-HN04, and ST2 were determined by referring to a number of clinical studies16,17 and combining them with the data mining results of the researchers. The research shows that BL2 and ST2 are the core acupoints for the treatment of dry eye18,19. Considering the dry eye condition and pathogenesis of myopia patients, we added ST2 points on the basis of the above two points. According to the theory of Zangfu meridians, ST2 points are closely related to the function of the spleen and stomach, and good spleen and stomach function can improve the symptoms of dry eye. Modern research shows that the above points can promote tear secretion, stimulate the nerve center, and regulate the blood circulation of the eye, which supports the traditional view20.
BL2 
Located on the face, when the brow is in, at the supraorbital notch, is the foot sun bladder meridian point. It has the effect of clearing heat and brightening eyes, dispelling wind and clearing collaterals, regulating qi and lowering Qi, dredging the qi of the bladder channel, and then achieving the function of regulating the whole body&#39;s Zangfu organs, making the channels unobstructed and Qi and blood harmonizing21. In the Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the ST2 point is recorded as &#34;the main visual object is unknown.&#34; In modern times, it is found that there are supratrochlear nerve stimulation points under the BL2 point, and stimulation of this point can effectively improve tear secretion.
Ex-HN04 
Located on the face, when the eyes are level, the pupil meets the eyebrow directly above. It has the effect of dispersing wind and dredging collaterals, relieving pain and calming nerves. It first appeared in Yin hai Jing wei of the Yuan Dynasty. This point is also the place where the channels of all yang channels in the head and face exchange and converge, and has the effect of regulating all the yang channels21. Stimulation of the Yuyao-point can directly regulate ocular nerves, promote blood flow around the eye, and reduce aseptic inflammation.
ST2 
Located on the face, the pupil is straight down, and the infraorbital foramen is depressed. Return foot Yangming stomach channel. Dongyuan Li&#39;s &#34;Spleen and Stomach&#34; once recorded: &#34;The nine orifices, the five viscera master, the five viscera all stomach qi can circulate&#34;, &#34;stomach qi a deficiency, eyes, eyes, mouth, and nose are the disease&#34; theory. The application of this point reflects the close relationship between the stomach and the eye. Normal operation of the spleen and stomach, orderly rise and fall, the qi of clear Yang transport in the eyes, the eye system to nourish to see things clearly.
The acupoints selected in this study are covered with abundant blood vessels and nerves, so acupuncture points around the eyes can expand local capillaries, accelerate blood circulation around the eyes, and increase blood supply22. Modern studies have shown that stimulation of acupoints around the eyes can inhibit ocular inflammatory response, protect visual function, improve meibomian gland function, and promote the secretion of lipid components in tears, thus prolonging the rupture time of tear film, stabilizing tear film, and also play a certain role in repairing corneal damage14,23.
To promote the clinical application of the needle and ensure efficacy, it is especially necessary to standardize the operation. The main purpose of this paper is to develop a standardized and effective surgical protocol for the treatment of myopia with dry eye. Through the acupuncture treatment, we are expected to find a simple operation, high safety, fewer side effects, and lasting treatment, to alleviate the symptoms of myopia patients&#39; dry eye, and improve their quality of life. The operation method in this paper repeats and optimizes the previous methods24,25,26. On the basis of the previous studies, we elaborated the precautions and operation nursing, formulated a more standardized treatment plan, reduced the risk of adverse reactions, and provided methodological reference for related studies.
The focus of this therapy is the location of acupoints, the operation of acupuncture, and the cooperation of patients. To avoid adverse effects as much as possible and improve efficiency, the accuracy of positioning should be paid attention to during operation. It is important to note that patient cooperation also plays a crucial role in the development and effectiveness of treatment. If the patient does not follow the doctor&#39;s advice and does not stimulate the acupuncture points according to the guidance, the expected effect may not be achieved, and the risk of adverse reactions such as hematoma and infection may be increased. If patients bury the needle for too long, it may cause infection or pain; If patients bury the needle for too short a time, the treatment may be ineffective. Therefore, detailed communication with the patient, improving compliance, and obtaining the cooperation of the patient are some of the important aspects of treatment.
There are a few things worth noting about this therapy: During surgery, avoid shaking or sudden movement, so as not to increase the patient&#39;s pain or injury. After the procedure is complete, place the needle in a designated container and avoid disposing of it carelessly to avoid injury or risk of infection. If the patient cannot tolerate the pain or has other abnormalities during the acupuncture process, the treatment should be stopped, and the relevant medical staff should be reported in time. Some countermeasures are often taken when the following risks are encountered: (1) Infection risk: Needle operation may lead to cross infection, and the operating procedures should be strictly observed to keep the operating environment clean and sterile. (2) Bleeding risk: Pinching operation may lead to bleeding. After the operation, apply a cotton swab to gently press the needle insertion point to avoid bleeding. (3) Pain risk: Needle withdrawal may cause pain to the patient, and the operation should be gentle and smooth to reduce the patient&#39;s discomfort.
The limitations of the current method are mainly manifested in the following three aspects: First, the acupuncture itself is not suitable for patients with skin damage; Second, the efficacy of acupuncture alone is weaker than that of other therapies. Third, the evaluation index of curative effect can be further improved. To improve the treatment, the following points must be noted. First, to avoid secondary damage to the patient&#39;s skin, carefully check the patient&#39;s skin status before treatment to rule out skin damage. Next, to ensure the treatment effect, patients should be regularly reminded to press the acupuncture site and supervised to retain the acupuncture time. Follow-up researchers can cooperate with ear point pressure pill treatment. Lastly, to improve the objectivity of efficacy evaluation, tear film rupture time and tear secretion test can be increased to evaluate corneal fluorescein sodium staining test.
In addition to the above shortcomings, this study has the advantages of lasting effect, simple operation, low cost, and few adverse reactions, which are worthy of further research and promotion. For patients who are ineffective to other treatments and have a heavy economic burden, this study, as an alternative therapy as effective as traditional Chinese medicine27, provides patients with an effective non-drug treatment measure to improve the ocular symptoms and quality of life of myopia patients and has broad application prospects.

Myopia is a refractive error; when the eye is in a relaxed state of adjustment, parallel light rays are focused in front of the retina after passing through the refractive retina, resulting in a clear image on the retina, which is called myopia. The main manifestations of this disease are clear vision of near objects and blurred vision of distant objects1. When the normal eye adjusts to a relaxed state, the parallel light rays from 5 m away pass through the refractive system of the eye, and the focus falls on the retina, forming a clear image. However, when a myopic patient sees a distant object 5 m away, the parallel light rays are focused in front of the retina after passing through the refractive system of the eyeball, so the vision will be blurred. If you look at a near object within 5 m, the parallel light rays will be focused on the retina after passing through the refractive system of the eyeball, and it will be clearer. Due to the rapid changes in the socio-economic environment in recent years, the widespread use of electronic screens, and the increase of refined eye use methods, the incidence of myopia has increased rapidly, and it is showing a trend of younger age, which has a serious impact on social health.
According to statistics, the number of myopic people in the world will reach nearly 5 billion in 2050. With the spread of computers and smartphones, coupled with the impact of the previous novel coronavirus outbreak, more and more myopic patients are beginning to have comorbid dry eye symptoms2. Nearly 400 million people in China suffer from dry eye, and the prevalence of dry eye in myopia is significantly higher than that in emmetropia and hyperopia, and the incidence of dry eye in myopic adolescents is about 20%. Tear deficiency and tear film instability are key factors that lead to dry eye, and changes in the cornea and increased eyelid space during eye elongation in myopia patients can cause uneven tear film distribution, resulting in decreased tear film stability, which increases the risk of dry eye.
Dry eye syndrome is characterized by an imbalance of tear film and eye discomfort. It is a chronic inflammatory reaction of corneal conjunctival dryness, which is mainly manifested by sensitivity to the external environment, insufficient tear fluid, and foreign eye sensation. It can lead to corneal conjunctival lesions and visual impairment, and then affect the quality of life and vision of patients3. The etiology of dry eye is complex; the main cause is the abnormal quality, quantity, and dynamics of tears, resulting in tear film instability or imbalance of ocular surface microenvironment. The specific onset of the disease is related to the patient&#39;s ocular surface tear film osmotic pressure changes, immune inflammatory response, tear film hyperoxidation, neuroparesthesia, and apoptosis, and the pathological process involves MAPK, NF-&#954;B, Wnt, TLR, PI3K/AKT, and other signaling pathways4,5.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the main pathogenesis of dry eye in myopia patients is liver and kidney insufficiency. In the Yellow Emperor&#39;s Neijing-Su Wen, it is recorded that &#34;the five internal organs and six internal organs are infiltrated into the eyes&#34;, which shows that the dysfunction of the internal organs, the insufficient production of the fluid to moisturize the eyes, or the poor infusion are important pathogeneses. Yinhai Subtlety clearly states: &#34;Tears are less responsible for the deficiency of liver and kidney&#34;-the main blood of the liver is the outer part of the eye, the liver blood is enough, and the liver qi is regulated, and the subtle substances are injected on the surface of the eye for tears. The main water of the kidney is the source of the fluid, and the kidney is sufficient, the kidney qi is full, and the source of the whole body is sufficient. The liver and kidney essence and blood are homologous and interconnected, so liver and kidney insufficiency is an important pathogenesis6. At present, the clinical treatment of dry eye is mainly based on artificial tears, vitamins, nerve growth factor, and thermal pulse therapy, which has good short-term effects, but the long-term effects are still limited. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment is mainly based on the internal administration of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, hot compress fumigation, auricular pressure pills, etc. The durability of the curative effect is good, but the operation is more complicated, and the patient&#39;s compliance is not strong.
Press needle is a kind of intradermal acupuncture, which is widely used in clinical practice, mainly used for the treatment of facial paralysis, insomnia, dysmenorrhea, and other diseases, and has gradually expanded to ophthalmic diseases in recent years, with the characteristics of long-lasting effect, easy operation, low cost, and good patient compliance7. Specifically, a special small needle (0.2-0.3 cm long) is inserted and fixed in the acupoint area or subcutaneously for a long period of burial. There is no need to immediately produce a sense of air when burying the needle, and the air can be adjusted only after the needle is buried. This therapy combines the theory of acupoints and the skin theory of traditional Chinese medicine, adopts the ancient idea of &#34;staying still for a long time&#34;, combines the advantages of traditional acupuncture and thread embedding, and has a long period of continuous stimulation of the skin, to achieve the purpose of preventing and treating diseases.
Press needles can improve unaided distance vision, improve the state of visual fatigue, reduce refraction, and delay the axial growth of myopia patients, which has been confirmed by clinical studies8,9,10. Press needle can improve dry eye and is better than sodium hyaluronate eye drops alone in improving the stability of the tear film, tear secretion, and the degree of corneal epithelial damage in patients with dry eye11,12,13. The effect of press needle combined with auricular pressure beans, traditional Chinese medicine atomization fumigation, and massage in the treatment of dry eye is more significant, which may be related to the regulation of multiple signaling pathways such as MAPK, NF-kB, Wnt, TLR, and PI3K/AKT.
Based on the theory of acupoints and dermatozoa in traditional Chinese medicine, this study was treated with a press needle (Figure 1), aiming to improve the symptoms of dry eye, improve visual function, and quality of life. A press needle is a long-lasting, easy-to-operate, and inexpensive traditional Chinese medicine treatment. To sum up, it is necessary to propose a standard scheme on how to correctly operate acupuncture for the treatment of myopia with dry eye. This article explains how to properly use a press needle to treat dry eye in patients with myopia.

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press needle: a traditional chinese medicine therapy for myopia patients with dry eye

Most patients with myopia have dry eye, which has been shown to adversely affect ocular symptoms, myopia progression, and quality of life in patients with myopia. Needle prickling has been shown to be effective in providing symptom relief in patients with myopia and dry eye. Press needle is a long-lasting, easy-to-operate, and inexpensive traditional Chinese medicine treatment. The standard practice of needle insertion is very important for the treatment of myopia and dry eye. The specific steps include selecting the appropriate acupoints, piercing them with appropriate needles, and fixing them in the skin or subcutaneously at the acupoints, burying them for 2 days, resting for 1 day; the course of treatment lasts for 2 weeks. Specifically, the following indicators were assessed: uncorrected visual acuity and the ocular surface disease index. This article will explain how to standardize the operation of a press needle in the treatment of myopia and dry eye.

In this study, a total of 8 patients who met the criteria participated and completed the trial, and none of them were discharged or excluded during the process. The OSDI and UCVA scores were used as the primary evaluation indicators for this trial, with data derived from the scores on the scales completed by patients before and after treatment. Self-control before and after treatment was compared using a paired t-test.
The OSDI scores of patients before and after treatment were compared in Table 1. The OSDI score ≤ 20 was divided into mild symptoms, 21~45 was divided into moderate symptoms, and ≥46 was divided into severe symptoms. After treatment, the OSDI score of patients was significantly lower than that of patients before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). It indicates that the treatment is effective, but the score is still higher than 46 points, indicating that the effect needs to be improved, and it takes longer treatment.
The comparison of UCVA scores of patients before and after treatment is shown in Table 2. The international standard eye chart is used to measure visual acuity, i.e., the decimal recording method. After treatment, the UCVA score of the left eye was lower than before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the right eye UCVA score before and after treatment (P &gt; 0.05). Myopia takes a long time to develop, and short-term acupuncture treatment can improve some vision, but it is more difficult to significantly improve vision, and it takes longer treatment.
The above studies have shown that acupuncture can effectively improve dry eye symptoms in patients. There may be some improvement in unaided vision.
<img alt="Microneedle patch assembly: diagram displaying dimensions; for transdermal drug delivery research." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig01.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1747911167000" data-alt="Figure 1"> 
Figure 1: Image of press needle. A press needle with dimensions 0.22 mm x 1.5 mm was used here. (A) A plate of press needles, including 10 press needles, a total length of about 5 cm, a width of about 2 cm; the lower left corner is a torn press needle. (B) Press needle with the needle face up, and the needle body protruding from the middle is about 1.5 mm long, which is used for piercing the skin; The flesh-colored part is a tape, about 1 cm long and 1 cm wide, used to fix the needle body. (C) A press needle with the adhesive tape facing up, the needle body is hidden under, and the adhesive tape is about 1 cm long and 1 cm wide. Press the needle into the skin and put the tape up to ensure a smooth surface without damage. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig01large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Acupuncture point diagram and application on face; Cuanzhu (BL2), Yuyao (Ex-HN04), Sibai (ST2)." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig02.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1747911167000" data-alt="Figure 2"> 
Figure 2: Schematic diagram of acupoint location. On the left is a hand-drawn map showing the acupuncture points used in acupuncture treatment. On the right is the model acupoint location map, showing the location of acupoints on real people's faces. The two images are used for comparative reference to demonstrate the visual representation of acupoint positioning. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig02large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Acupuncture point Cuanzhu (BL2) location; clinical procedure on forehead; educational demonstration." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig03.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1747911167000" data-alt="Figure 3"> 
Figure 3: Acupuncture BL2 point operation. This diagram illustrates the specific positioning and manipulation of the needle insertion into BL2. This diagram only demonstrates one acupuncture point, and the other acupuncture point is the same technique. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig03large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Acupuncture point identification on forehead using markers and tweezers for therapeutic study." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig04.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1747911167000" data-alt="Figure 4"> 
Figure 4: Acupuncture Ex-HN04 point operation. This diagram illustrates the specific positioning and manipulation of the needle insertion into Ex-HN04. This diagram only demonstrates one acupuncture point, and the other acupuncture point is the same technique. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig04large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Acupuncture procedure, Sibai ST2, point identification, facial treatment, traditional technique." class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig05.jpg" data-altupdatedat="1747911167000" data-alt="Figure 5"> 
Figure 5: Acupuncture ST2 point operation. This diagram illustrates the specific positioning and manipulation of the needle insertion into ST2. This diagram only demonstrates one acupuncture point, and the other acupuncture point is the same technique. <a href="https://www-jove-com.bdigitaluss.remotexs.co/files/ftp_upload/66727/66727fig05large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td>Average Value</td>
			<td>Standard Deviation</td>
			<td>Mean Difference</td>
			<td>t•</td>
			<td>p•</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Before treatment</td>
			<td>64.49</td>
			<td>5.85</td>
			<td rowspan="2">17.67</td>
			<td rowspan="2">4.092</td>
			<td rowspan="2">0.005**</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>After treatment</td>
			<td>46.82</td>
			<td>11.49</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="6">* p &lt; 0.05 ** p &lt; 0.01</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1: OSDI score before and after treatment. After treatment, the OSDI score of 8 patients was significantly lower than that of patients before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). N=8.
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2"></td>
			<td>Average Value</td>
			<td>Standard Deviation</td>
			<td>Mean Difference</td>
			<td>t•</td>
			<td>p•</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2">Before treatment (Left Eye)</td>
			<td>0.34</td>
			<td>0.15</td>
			<td rowspan="2">-0.04</td>
			<td rowspan="2">-2.497</td>
			<td rowspan="2">0.041*</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2">After treatment (Left Eye)</td>
			<td>0.38</td>
			<td>0.17</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2">Before treatment (Right Eye)</td>
			<td>0.32</td>
			<td>0.23</td>
			<td rowspan="2">-0.04</td>
			<td rowspan="2">-2.036</td>
			<td rowspan="2">0.081</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2">After treatment (Right eye)</td>
			<td>0.36</td>
			<td>0.23</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="4">* p &lt; 0.05 ** p &lt; 0.01</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 2: UCVA score before and after treatment. After treatment, the UCVA score of the left eye was lower than before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the right eye UCVA score before and after treatment (P &gt; 0.05). N=8.

Read this Scientific Article Protocol about Author Spotlight: Exploring Press Needle Efficacy and Underlying Molecular Pathways at JoVE.com

Author Spotlight: Exploring Press Needle Efficacy and Underlying Molecular Pathways

Here, we present a protocol to standardize the operation of acupuncture in the treatment of myopia with dry eye.

Press Needle: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy for Myopia Patients with Dry Eye

Most patients with myopia have dry eye, which has been shown to adversely affect ocular symptoms, myopia progression, and quality of life in patients with ...

press-needle-traditional-chinese-medicine-therapy-for-myopia-patients

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JoVE Journal

Medicine

1.2K Views.  Eye School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Here, we present a protocol to standardize the operation of acupuncture in the treatment of myopia with dry eye. 

Video: Author Spotlight: Exploring Press Needle Efficacy and Underlying Molecular Pathways

Scleral Cross-linking Using Riboflavin and Ultraviolet-A Radiation for Prevention of Axial Myopia in a Rabbit Model

Myopic individuals, especially those with severe myopia, are at higher-than-normal risk of cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment and chorioretinal abnormalities. In addition, pathological myopia is a common irreversible cause of visual impairment and blindness1-3. Our study demonstrates the effect of scleral crosslinking using riboflavin and ultraviolet-A radiation on the development of axial myopia in a rabbit model. The axial length of the eyeball was measured by A-scan ultrasound in New Zealand white rabbits aged 13 days (male and female). The eye then underwent 360&#176; conjunctival peritomy with scleral crosslinking, followed by tarsorrhaphy. Axial elongation was induced in 13 day-old New Zealand rabbits by suturing their right eye eyelids (tarsorrhaphy). The eyes were divided into quadrants, and every quadrant had two scleral irradiation zones, each with an area of 0.2 cm&#178; and a radius of 4 mm. Crosslinking was performed by dropping 0.1% dextran-free riboflavin-5-phosphate onto the irradiation zones 20 sec before ultraviolet-A irradiation and every 20 sec during the 200 sec irradiation time. UVA radiation (370 nm) was applied perpendicular to the sclera at 57 mW/cm&#178; (total UVA light dose, 57 J/cm&#178;). Tarsorrhaphies were removed on day 55, followed by repeated axial length measurements. This study demonstrates that scleral crosslinking with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A radiation effectively prevents occlusion-induced axial elongation in a rabbit model.

We demonstrate the effect of scleral crosslinking with riboflavin and UVA on an axial elongation rabbit eye. Axial elongation was induced in 13 day-old New Zealand rabbits (male and female) by suturing their right eye eyelids (tarsorrhaphy).

Myopic individuals, especially those with severe myopia, are at higher-than-normal risk of cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment and chorioretinal ...

Second Harmonic Generation Signals in Rabbit Sclera As a Tool for Evaluation of Therapeutic Tissue Cross-linking (TXL) for Myopia

Methods to strengthen tissue by introducing chemical bonds (non-enzymatic cross-linking) into structural proteins (fibrillar collagens) for therapy include photochemical cross-linking and tissue cross-linking (TXL) methods. Such methods for inducing mechanical tissue property changes are being employed to the cornea in corneal thinning (mechanically weakened) disorders such as keratoconus as well as the sclera in progressive myopia, where thinning and weakening of the posterior sclera occurs and likely contributes to axial elongation. The primary target proteins for such tissue strengthening are fibrillar collagens which constitute the great majority of dry weight proteins in the cornea and sclera. Fortuitously, fibrillar collagens are the main source of second harmonic generation signals in the tissue extracellular space. Therefore, modifications of the collagen proteins, such as those induced through cross-linking therapies, could potentially be detected and quantitated through the use of second harmonic generation microscopy (SHGM). Monitoring SHGM signals through the use of a laser scanning microscopy system coupled with an infrared excitation light source is an exciting modern imaging method that is enjoying widespread usage in the biomedical sciences. Thus, the present study was undertaken in order to evaluate the use of SHGM microscopy as a means to measure induced cross-linking effects in ex vivo rabbit sclera, following an injection of a chemical cross-linking agent into the sub-Tenon&#39;s space (sT), an injection approach that is standard practice for causing ocular anesthesia during ophthalmologic clinical procedures. The chemical cross-linking agent, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (SMG), is from a class of cosmetic preservatives known as formaldehyde releasing agents (FARs). Scleral changes following reaction with SMG resulted in increases in SHG signals and correlated with shifts in thermal denaturation temperature, a standard method for evaluating induced tissue cross-linking effects.

Second Harmonic Generation Signals in Rabbit Sclera As a Tool for Evaluation of Therapeutic Tissue Cross-linking TXL for Myopia

This protocol describes techniques for evaluating chemical cross-linking of the rabbit sclera using&#160;second harmonic generation imaging and differential scanning calorimetry.

Methods to strengthen tissue by introducing chemical bonds (non-enzymatic cross-linking) into structural proteins (fibrillar collagens) for therapy ...

Intense Pulsed Light for the Treatment of Dry Eye Owing to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Dry eye disease (DED) is an increasingly common condition and one of the most common complaints of patients. The vast majority of DED is caused by the so-called &#34;evaporative&#34; subtype, that is mainly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices employ high intensity pulses of polychromatic lights with a broad range of wavelength (515-1200 nm). IPL treatment has been utilized for years in the field of dermatology, and then its use was applied to ophthalmology for the treatment of MGD. Recently, a new device employing IPL was specifically designed for the periocular application. This procedure determines the thermal selective coagulation and ablation of superficial blood vessels and telangiectasias of the eyelids skin, reducing the release of inflammatory mediators and tear cytokines levels, and improving meibomian glands outflow. IPL treatment is noninvasive and easy to perform, lasts for only a few minutes and can be conducted in an office setting. In the present study, 19 patients underwent 3 sessions of IPL treatment. After treatment, both mean noninvasive break-up time and lipid layer thickness grade significantly increased, as a result of an improvement of tear film stability and quality, respectively. Conversely, no statistically significant changes were found for meibomian gland loss and tear osmolarity. Furthermore, the vast majority of the treated patients (17/19; 89.5% of the total) perceived an improvement of their ocular discomfort symptoms after IPL treatment. Although IPL treatment provides an improvement of both ocular surface parameters and ocular discomfort symptoms after one cycle of three sessions, regular repeated treatments are usually required to maintain the persistence over the time of its beneficial effects.

Dry eye disease is an increasingly common condition, which strongly impair patients&#39; life quality. Recently, a new device employing intense pulsed light, specifically designed for the periocular area, has been shown to improve tear film stability and ocular discomfort symptoms in dry eye disease owing to meibomian gland dysfunction.

Dry eye disease (DED) is an increasingly common condition and one of the most common complaints of patients. The vast majority of DED is caused by the ...

Platelet-Rich Plasma Lysate for Treatment of Eye Surface Diseases

Various ocular surface diseases are treated with blood-derived eye drops. Their use has been introduced in clinical practice because of their metabolite and growth factor content, which promotes eye surface regeneration. Blood-based eye drops can be prepared from different sources (i.e., whole blood or platelet apheresis donation), as well as with different protocols (e.g., different dilutions and freeze/thaw cycles). This variability hampers the standardization of clinical protocols and, consequently, the evaluation of their clinical efficacy. Detailing and sharing the methodological procedures may contribute to defining common guidelines. Over the last years, allogenic products have been diffusing as an alternative to the autologous treatments since they guarantee higher efficacy standards; among them, the platelet-rich plasma lysate (PRP-L) eye drops are prepared with simple manufacturing procedures. In the transfusion medicine unit at AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Italy, PRP-L is obtained from platelet-apheresis donation. This product is initially diluted to 0.3 x 109 platelets/mL (starting from an average concentration of 1 x 109 platelets/mL) in 0.9% NaCl. Diluted platelets are frozen/thawed and, subsequently, centrifuged to eliminate debris. The final volume is split into 1.45 mL aliquots and stored at &#8722;80 &#176;C. Before being dispensed to patients, eye drops are tested for sterility. Patients may store platelet lysates at &#8722;15 &#176;C for up to 1 month. The growth factor composition is also assessed from randomly selected aliquots, and the mean values are reported here.

Platelet lysates represent an emerging tool for the treatment of ocular surface diseases. Here, we propose a method for the preparation, dispensation, storage, and characterization of platelet lysate collected from platelet donors.

Various ocular surface diseases are treated with blood-derived eye drops. Their use has been introduced in clinical practice because of their metabolite ...

Enema of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is characterized by high mortality rates, numerous complications, and extreme difficulties in treatment. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) enema has been widely utilized in clinical and experimental studies of SAP. It has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects in protecting pancreatic function and delaying disease progression. The procedure of TCM enema is to perfuse the Chinese medicinal liquid of raw rhubarb (Rheum officinale Baill. DaHuang) from the anus into the rectum and colon. Basic steps of the procedure include boiling the herbal solution in advance, using a disposable enema kit to assist patients in taking a left lying position, raising the patient's hip 10 cm, and carefully inserting the enema 30-35 cm into the anus, with a drip speed of 60-80 drops/min. The medicine liquid temperature should be equivalent to the patient's body temperature, typically between 37-39 &#176;C. The end of the enema operation should be slow, and Tui na (massage therapy) should be administered before extubation. The medication liquid should be kept in the rectum for more than 1 h. After issuing an enema, it is essential to observe the patient's feces and abdomen, and to evaluate the remission of abdominal signs and symptoms.

An enema is a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy used to treat severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The therapy involves instilling a TCM liquid into the rectum and colon through the anus to keep the liquid in the intestine, absorbing through the intestinal mucosa. This study aims to standardize the enema procedure for SAP patients.

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is characterized by high mortality rates, numerous complications, and extreme difficulties in treatment. A traditional ...

Assessing the Health of the Corneal Nerves in Ocular Surface Diseases

Corneal Sensitivity Testing Procedure for Ophthalmologic and Optometric Patients

The cornea is the most densely innervated structure in the human body, making it one of the most sensitive tissues. Changes in corneal nerve sensitivity can be observed in several ocular surface diseases. Nerve sensitivity may be increased, as is often seen in patients with a neuropathic component to ocular pain, or decreased, as is seen in patients with neurotrophic keratitis. Corneal sensitivity testing involves assessing a patient's reaction to brief corneal stimulation, yields insight into the health of the corneal nerves, and provides diagnostic value for evaluating the health of the nerves and the interplay with the ocular surface. Currently, there is limited published guidance on how to conduct corneal sensitivity testing in a clinical setting. This article presents a protocol for testing corneal sensitivity using easy-to-use, low-cost materials that are readily accessible to eye care providers (either a cotton swab, a piece of dental floss, or a finely tapered tissue). This protocol allows for qualitative assessment of corneal sensitivity in which responses to corneal stimulation are rated from 0 (no response) to 3 (hypersensitive response). This test can be performed quickly (in approximately 30 s). Given its diagnostic value and accessibility, corneal sensitivity testing should be included as part of the standard eye examination for any patient undergoing an ocular surface examination.

 Author Spotlight: Establishing a Practical and Cost-Effective Protocol for Corneal Sensitivity Testing in Clinical Settings

Corneal sensitivity testing provides insight into the health of the corneal nerves and helps diagnose ocular surface diseases. We present a concise protocol to qualitatively assess corneal sensitivity that can be readily used by eye care providers across clinical settings.

The cornea is the most densely innervated structure in the human body, making it one of the most sensitive tissues. Changes in corneal nerve sensitivity ...

Excimer Laser Multifocal Double Aspheric Ablation for Presbyopia Correction

Correction of Presbyopia by Monocular Bi-Aspheric Ablation Profile

The study aims to evaluate visual acuity and objective visual quality before and after the monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile for correction of presbyopia surgery. This prospective self-control study included 20 cases and 38 eyes of patients who underwent monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile correction of myopia with presbyopia at the Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to January 2024. These patients were selected for observation, and each patient's preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical aberration (SA) (within 6 mm), horizontal and vertical coma (within 6 mm), and corneal aspheric index (Q-value) (within 6 mm) were evaluated. Statistical data analysis was performed at different time points before and after the operation. There were statistically significant differences in UDVA between dominant and non-dominant eyes before and after surgery (Z = -3.784, p &lt; 0.001; Z = -3.817, p &lt; 0.001). Post-operatively, 90% of the non-dominant eyes achieved UNVA of J1 and above, and 95% of the bilateral eyes achieved UNVA of J1 and above. Significant differences were found in the SA of the dominant eyes, which showed a positive increase (Z= -3.784, p &lt; 0.001); however, compared with the dominant eye, the SA of the non-dominant eye was negatively increased, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). There was a significant difference in the vertical coma of the dominant eye before and after the operation, but there was no significant difference in non-dominant eyes. There was no significant difference in the change of binocular horizontal coma before and after the operation. There were significant changes in the Q value of both eyes before and after the operation (Z = -3.923, p &lt; 0.001; Z = -3.51, p &lt; 0.001). After the monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile, the cornea of the non-dominant eye showed a prolate shape, negative SA increased, and the UDVA and UNVA improved after the operation.

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Refractive Surgical Correction for Presbyopia and Exploring Postoperative Visual Acuity

This article provides a step-by-step guide to correcting presbyopia with a monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile.

The study aims to evaluate visual acuity and objective visual quality before and after the monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile for correction of ...

Establishment of A Mouse Model of Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye

Dry eye disease is a prevalent condition affecting 5%-50% of the global population. Animal model investigations play a crucial role in understanding its underlying mechanisms. Therefore, we developed a mouse model of dry eye disease by surgically removing both the extraorbital lacrimal glands (ELG) and intraorbital lacrimal glands (ILG) to investigate the ocular surface pathology in the context of aqueous deficiency dry eye. Two weeks post operation, the mice exhibited severe dry eye manifestations, including reduced tear secretion, corneal epithelial irregularities, positive fluorescein sodium staining, and neovascularization. Histological examination via hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed inflammatory cell infiltration and corneal epithelium dysplasia. Immunofluorescence staining and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed decreased expression of the normal corneal epithelial biomarkers K12 and Pax6 and increased expression of Sprr1b in the corneal epithelium. These ocular manifestations indicated abnormal corneal epithelial differentiation. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining of Ki67 revealed the increasing cell proliferation. In conclusion, the ELG plus ILG excision model proved suitable for studying changes in the ocular surface and elucidating the mechanisms underlying aqueous deficiency dry eye.

Here, we present a method to establish a mouse model of aqueous-deficient dry eye by excising the extraorbital and infraorbital lacrimal glands and evaluate the changes in the ocular surface in aqueous deficiency dry eye.

Dry eye disease is a prevalent condition affecting 5%-50% of the global population. Animal model investigations play a crucial role in understanding its ...

Performing Injection into Palpebral Portion of the Superior Lacrimal Gland: A Technique for Inducing Dry Eye Disease in Rabbit Model

For palpebral portioning of the superior lacrimal gland injection, after confirming sedation, shear off the fur in the pre-orbital and scalp area, and use depilatory cream to completely remove any residual fur.
After 2 minutes, remove the cream and apply 25 microliters of 1% preservative-free lidocaine to the appropriate eye. Evert the upper eyelid, and apply gentle medial pressure to the posterior orbital rim until the protuberance marking the palpebral portion of the gland is seen. Using fine-toothed forceps and a tuberculin syringe equipped with a 27-Gauge needle, directly penetrate the gland via a transconjunctival approach advancing the needle two millimeters into the tissue, and inject 100 microliters of a 500 microgram solution of concanavalin A or ConA.

Wykonywanie iniekcji do powiekowej części gruczołu łzowego górnego: technika wywoływania zespołu suchego oka w modelu królika

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Performing Injection into Orbital Lobe of Superior Lacrimal Gland: A Technique for Inducing Dry Eye Disease in Rabbit Model

Apply medial pressure to the globe to cause the orbital superior lacrimal gland to protrude from the posterior incisure. Using closed curved forceps, indent the area until the bony opening in the skull is felt, and apply further modest pressure with forceps to leave an indentation in the skin to serve as the landmark for the needle placement.
Insert a tuberculin syringe equipped with a 27-gauge needle perpendicular to the skin over the indentation mark about a 1/4 inch into the incision, and redirect the needle posteriorly and externally toward the lateral canthus, aiming for the midpoint between the injection site and the bony orbital rim. Once the hub of the needle is reached, slowly inject 0.2 milliliters of a 1,000 microgram solution of conA.