Clinical Study on the Treatment of Moderate Liver Meridian Stagnation-Heat Dry Eye Syndrome with Acupoint Needle Stimulation Combined with “Runmu No.1 Formula” Herbal Nebulization Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and possible mechanism of press-needling combined with the ‘Runmu No. Ⅰ Formula’ herbal nebulization in the treatment of moderate liver meridian heat-type dry eye, providing a safe and effective treatment option for dry eye patients. Methods: A total of 80 patients with dry eye attending the ophthalmology dry eye clinic of our hospital from October 2024 to May 2025 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received meibomian gland massage combined with conventional artificial tears, while the observation group received press-needling combined with the ‘Runmu No. Ⅰ Formula’ herbal nebulization on top of the treatment given to the control group. Clinical efficacy, symptom improvement, tear secretion function, and ocular surface damage recovery were observed and compared between the two groups. Results: After two weeks of treatment, the intervention group showed significantly better subjective symptoms, tear film breakup time (FBUT), and basic tear secretion test (SIT) results compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05), and no adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion: Press-needling combined with the ‘Runmu No. Ⅰ Formula’ herbal fumigation treatment for moderate liver meridian heat-type dry eye can significantly improve patient symptoms, increase tear secretion, prolong tear film breakup time, enhance tear film stability, relieve ocular discomfort, and is safe and effective.